There's a little-discussed obstacle to citizenship for many people:

[pnwmom]

money to hire lawyers.

I know a woman who is married to someone who is not a citizen. They went to legal aid to see if they could get help getting his papers in order, and were told that legal aid doesn't help non-citizens.

So does any agency or non-profit help non-citizens? They live in Tennessee.

The wife is recovering from a major stroke, they have four children, and this year has been very difficult.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[rickford66]

1. They might try the American Civic Association

[frazzled]

2. The US Department of Justice maintains a list

of pro Bono immigration lawyers. (I don't know, however, if this is just about deportation issues, or if they are available for assistance in obtaining citizenship):

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/find-legal-representation

[pnwmom]

5. Thanks!

[Sanity Claws]

3. That doesn't sound right

My understanding is that Legal Aid is prohibited from serving undocumented immigrants but may serve documented immigrants. If your friend is ready to naturalize, then he must be a lawful permanent resident and clearly documented.
In any event, there is no use arguing.
USCIS provides grants to local groups to provide free naturalization services. Here's a link to organizations that got a two-year award for free naturalization services, starting October 1, 2016. https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/citizenship-and-integration-grant-program
In Tennessee, an organization called Nashville Adult Literacy Council, Inc. received one of those grants.
If I were your friend, I would contact them.

[pnwmom]

4. I don't think his documents are in order. That's why he needs legal help.

Thanks for the link. That looks helpful. I'll pass it on.

[Sanity Claws]

7. I misunderstood

I thought you were concerned about money being a block to naturalization. Instead, the big concern is a block to getting documented. Another source might be Catholic Charities in the local Diocese. Many Catholic Charities provide immigration legal services.

[pnwmom]

9. Good idea. I'll see if I can find one near their town. n/t

[Sissyk]

10. What town do they live in?

I may can help you find something.

[pnwmom]

12. Monterey.

[Sissyk]

14. Unfortunately, not much to choose from in that area.

They would be better going to Knoxville, or Nashville.

I'm not as knowledgeable about Knoxville, but Nashville has several free clinics.

The listing in Oak Ridge may be closer to Monterey than Nashville.
All other Clinics are walk-in clinics with no appointment. Anyone can come.
GraceWorks West Clinic - Every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., GraceWorks West, 2382 Fairview Blvd., Suite 102, Fairview, TN 37062
Mercy Clinic/St. Andrew Lutheran - 1st Thursday of every month, 4:30 p.m., 908 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin, TN 37064
MNPS Clinic/El Office - 3rd Saturday of the month - 8:30 a.m., 615 Fessey Park Road, Nashville, TN 37204
Nashville 2nd Tuesday Clinic - 2nd Tuesday of the month, 4:30 P.M. at Legal Aid Society, 300 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37201
Nashville McHugh Clinic - last Saturday of the month, except April and December, 8:30 A.M. at Legal Aid Society, 300 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37201
Oak Ridge Clinic - 3rd Tuesday of every month except December, 4:30 p.m. at Legal Aid Society, 226B Broadway, Jackson Square, Oak Ridge, TN. Call 865-483 8454 or 1-800-483-8457 to let us know you are coming.
Rutherford County Saturday Clinic - 3rd Saturday of every month except December, 9 to 11 a.m., Higher Ground Worship Center Legal Clinic 9 to11 AM, 2424 Yearwood Avenue, Murfreesboro, TN

There is also this, of course: ACLU-TN.org

I know some people that have used this: Southern Migrant Legal Services in Nashville - Free legal services to migrant and seasonal farm workers in Tennessee. To apply for help or for more information call 866-721-7828.


sorry I couldn't be more helpful, but that about all I got.

[pnwmom]

15. Thank you! That is very helpful.

Unfortunately, their only vehicle just got rear-ended by a semi, and the info they've been getting is that because the husband was unlicensed (due to his immigration status), the other driver's insurance won't have to pay.

And now they don't have a car to get to work in. What a nightmare.

[Sissyk]

16. It is a nightmare and I feel for them.

They don't have much (if any)hope of collecting for the car. I posted in that thread also.

Please give them my best wishes! It doesn't help, I know. But...

[pnwmom]

17. I will, Sissyk. And thanks again. n/t

[haele]

11. Nashville Immigration and Pro Bono services.

https://www.justia.com/lawyers/immigration-naturalization/tennessee/nashville/legal-aid-and-pro-bono-services

One of my bosses used to have a side business using his law degree doing pro-bono family and criminal law advocacy for immigrants, refugee, and "pre-documented" (as he called it) asylum seekers through a legal service started by a couple who had sponsored a refugee family with problems that required they go to court for situations other than specifically immigration. He indicates that this organization may have a similar program that can be utilized.

Haele

[pnwmom]

13. Thanks!

[FarCenter]

6. Is An Immigration Lawyer Worth The Cost?

http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/us-immigration/lawyer-worth-cost.html

Looks like about $3000 or less for the Green Card application and the Adjustment of Status. However, if he is not in the US legally, then there may be more complications.

[pnwmom]

8. Yikes! Three thousand dollars is a lot of money for many people,

and this family is dealing with many other problems -- the wife had a major stroke and lost her job, etc.