For an update on the most recent DACA decision, click here. If you need a DACA renewal, we recommend that you make your appointment 6 months before your DACA expires and we advise all DACA recipients, those with pending DACA applications or those who are DACA eligible to make an appointment with a trusted legal services provider.
Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) provides FREE immigration legal services to students, staff, and faculty at San Diego and Imperial County community and state colleges. Highly qualified legal practitioners provide culturally competent, trauma-informed, legal expertise to the campus community. Virtual and in-person appointments are available. In-person appointments currently take place at the following college campuses and are available to students of any campus:
*CSU San Marcos and San Diego State students, staff, and faculty: your immediate family members are also eligible for our services!
*CSU students can continue to receive free immigration legal services for TWO YEARS after graduation!
Services include:
Find out what to expect at your first intake appointment »
Que Esperar de la primera reunion »
HELS Frequently Asked Questions »
Popups disabled? Schedule an intake appointment here.
For more information about the HELS program, call (858) 637-3345 or email [email protected].
For general information about JFS Immigration Services, call (858) 637-3365.
November 9, 2023
What Immigrants need to know about earning income in the US.
October 5, 2023
Learn about the DACA Decision released on September 13, 2023 and what it means for our community.
May 11, 2023
This overview focuses on humanitarian immigration relief that may be available to survivors of crimes, and those who have experienced abuse or trafficking. Included is a discussion of asylum and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) as well as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
April 20, 2023
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a form of immigration relief for certain children who need the protection of juvenile court because of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. This presentation will review who is eligible and the steps in the process.
March 15, 2023
Learn about what happens if you are detained by ICE. Topics such as bond hearings, notice to appear, and general information about how Immigration Court operates will be covered.
January 19, 2023
El Programa de HELS explique sus derechos básicos en caso de que usted o sus ser queridos estén expuestos a una situación con un oficial de inmigration.
November 15, 2022
The HELS team discusses income-generating opportunities for students without work authorization. Guest speakers shared insights on independent contracting, small businesses, and other creative options.
October 13, 2022
There is a lot in the news about DACA and it’s important to stay up to date. Watch this webinar for information about the DACA rule going into effect on October 31, 2022 and the court decision announced on October 5, 2022. Please note the webinar is up to date as of October 13, 2022.
September 29, 2022
Everyone should know their rights! Check out this webinar that explains the rights that we all have when in the presence of law enforcement and how to exercise them. Please note the information is accurate as of September 29, 2022.
Family Emergency Preparedness Plan/Plan de Preparacion de Emergencia Familiar
Resources
Apply
US Citizenship and Immigration Services COVID-19 Updates
CA Employment Development Department – Unemployment and Other Benefits
CA Department of Social Services – CDSS
IRS – Taxes
San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium (SDIRC) – Relief fund for those that do not qualify for unemployment
In a national report from November 2021, CAP analysis finds that DACA recipient households pay $6.2 billion in federal taxes and $3.3 billion in state and local taxes each year — that’s $9.5 billion that support communities across America.
Approximately 29,000 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, dentists, physician assistants, and pharmacists, rely on DACA protections to be able to provide critical care to communities across the country. (The Center for American Progress)
DACA recipients and their households are critical, too, in local economies. After taxes, these households hold $25.3 billion in spending power. They own 68,000 homes, making $760 million in mortgage payments and $2.5 billion in rental payments annually, money that could be in jeopardy if DACA goes away.
All information submitted is confidential and will not be shared with government or other agencies.
