Who This Helps: Asylum seekers who arrived in the U.S. on or after January 1, 2022; immigrants facing removal proceedings; community organizations routing clients to legal help; and family members trying to connect a loved one to free, trustworthy representation.
Finding an honest immigration attorney in New York City has always been hard. In 2026 — with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement surging nationally and nonprofit legal aid groups overwhelmed — it has become harder. A Queens Daily Eagle report published April 21, 2026, documented that long-standing legal clinics in the borough are operating at a fraction of capacity, with some hosting only three clinics in all of 2025 and staffing upcoming sessions with a single attorney and one volunteer. At the same time, demand for deportation defense has skyrocketed.
In response, New York City has built new infrastructure specifically designed to close that gap: the Asylum Seeker Legal Assistance Network (ASLAN), the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline, and the Office to Facilitate Pro Bono Legal Assistance. If you or someone you know needs immigration legal help, these are the doors to knock on first — before paying a private attorney, and always before trusting an unlicensed “notario.”
What ASLAN Actually Is
The Asylum Seeker Legal Assistance Network is a $5 million citywide initiative announced by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) to expand community capacity to provide immigration legal assistance to newly arrived asylum seekers. The CUNY School of Law was selected to design and oversee clinics across the network, and Lutheran Social Services of New York (LSSNY) operates an ASLAN Legal Support Center in East Harlem where immigrants can make appointments for in-person help.
ASLAN specifically serves immigrants and asylum seekers who arrived in the U.S. on or after January 1, 2022. Services include legal screenings, consultations, assistance with asylum applications, and referrals to deeper representation when a case requires it.
The Single Most Useful Phone Number to Remember
The MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline is the main front door to ASLAN and the city’s broader immigrant legal services network:
- Phone: 1-800-354-0365
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Purpose: Immigration status questions, application help, court case questions, and connection to ASLAN clinics.
- Languages: Services are available in multiple languages at intake.
For general questions — not case-specific legal help — call the NYC Immigrant Affairs Hotline at 212-788-7654, or email askMOIA@cityhall.nyc.gov.
The Bigger Picture: A $120 Million Pro Bono Investment
On July 1, 2025, the City allocated more than $120 million for free immigrant legal services and created the Office to Facilitate Pro Bono Legal Assistance, which connects immigrants to volunteer attorneys from major law firms. That’s in addition to the $5 million specifically designated for ASLAN clinics. Together, these programs represent one of the largest municipal investments in immigrant legal services in the country.
In practice, this means: you should not have to pay a private attorney just to find out whether you qualify for relief. The first consultation, screening, and referral can almost always be done for free through the city’s network.
ActionNYC: Free Legal Screenings at Your Local Library
Alongside ASLAN, the city operates ActionNYC, which provides free, confidential immigration legal screenings at locations including NYC public libraries, community centers, hospitals, and schools. Unlike ASLAN, ActionNYC is not limited to asylum seekers — it is open to all immigrants regardless of arrival date. You can book an ActionNYC appointment by calling the same MOIA hotline or visiting nyc.gov/actionnyc.
How to Take Action
- Call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline: 1-800-354-0365, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Visit the ASLAN info page: nyc.gov/immigrants → Asylum Seeker Legal Assistance Network
- Latest policy updates from NYC: nyc.gov/immigrants/legal-resources/latest-Immigration-updates
- General immigrant affairs: Call 212-788-7654 or email askMOIA@cityhall.nyc.gov.
- Urgent deportation defense: Contact The Legal Aid Society at 212-577-3300 or visit legalaidnyc.org.
- Family law & standby guardianship: NYLAG at nylag.org.
- ActionNYC library clinics: nyc.gov/actionnyc.
- Never pay a “notario” or anyone without a verified license. In New York, only a licensed attorney or a Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representative can give you immigration legal advice. Verify an attorney’s license at the NY State Attorney Directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for ASLAN services?
ASLAN specifically serves immigrants and asylum seekers who arrived in the United States on or after January 1, 2022. Immigrants outside that window may still qualify for ActionNYC, Legal Aid, NYLAG, or other city-funded programs — the MOIA hotline can route you to the right one.
Is ASLAN really free?
Yes. ASLAN is funded by the City of New York through MOIA. There is no cost for screenings, consultations, or the legal services provided through the network. If anyone asks you to pay upfront for an ASLAN appointment, that is not a legitimate ASLAN provider.
Can I get help in my language?
Yes. The MOIA hotline provides intake in multiple languages, and ASLAN providers work with interpreters. You can request interpretation when you call.
Where is the ASLAN Legal Support Center located?
LSSNY’s ASLAN Legal Support Center is in East Harlem. Appointments are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Do not walk in without calling the MOIA hotline first — appointments are required.
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law is complex and changes frequently. Contact a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative for advice specific to your case. Verify the current rules at nyc.gov/immigrants.
