WE'RE HERE TO FILL THE NEED
Immigrants in immigration court do not have a right to government-appointed counsel.
The lack of legal representation has a profound impact on immigrants’ outcomes in removal proceedings.
REMOVAL DEFENSE
ILDC serves community members in the Santa Barbara, Ventura and
San Luis Obispo Counties. Our ILDC Staff Attorneys and Volunteer Attorneys strive to provide representation to people in detention who are seeking release through bond. We handle a full range of defenses both for people in detention and those who are fighting their court cases following release.
ASYLUM SEEKERS
ILDC provides legal services to asylum-seekers that may be eligible to obtain relief on humanitarian grounds. The primary claim for asylum could be on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Individuals who have been persecuted or have a credible fear of persecution and are unable or unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of their country of origin can apply for asylum protection from the U.S. government.
UNACCOMPANIED UNDOCUMENTED CHILDREN & YOUTHS
ILDC attorneys strive to provide security and stability for children who are abused, abandoned or neglected. Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is available to unaccompanied immigrant children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned; who cannot be reunified with one or both parents; and for whom returning to their home country is not in their best interest. SIJS requires two approvals, one from a state family court and one from USCIS.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
ILDC conducts Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations so that immigrants are informed of their rights should they encounter Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
If you would like to schedule a KYR presentation for your community please call us.
COMMUNITY CLINICS
We host community clinics to screen individuals for immigration relief, assess their criminal record, and determine whether they have a final order of deportation.
CASE MANAGEMENT & COUNSELING
Our therapist and case manager advocate for the best interests of our young clients inside and outside the immigration courtroom and focus on mitigating the trauma-related impact of immigration policies and enforcement. This program addresses the gap in post-release services for unaccompanied undocumented immigrant children, provides them with the resources they need to enhance their well-being, and helps them succeed and thrive in their new communities.
