If you or a family member needs immigration legal help and cannot afford an attorney, New York City has built one of the most extensive free legal support networks in the country. Through the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), the city operates 38 Immigration Legal Support Centers spread across all five boroughs — offering free screenings, full legal representation, and pro-se (self-representation) assistance to eligible residents.

This guide explains who qualifies, what services are available, how to find the center nearest to you, and what to do in an emergency. All information is current as of May 2026.

Disclaimer: Immigration law changes frequently and varies by individual circumstances. This article provides general information, not legal advice. Verify current rules and your specific options with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative.

What Is the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Center Network?

The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs launched its Immigrant Legal Services Community Support Network to provide accessible, borough-wide legal support to New York City’s immigrant community. The 38 centers are embedded in community-based organizations, public health facilities, public schools, and libraries — places where immigrants already go and feel comfortable.

The network is funded through the City’s operating budget. New York City’s Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget includes $122.9 million in funding for immigrant legal services — a record level, according to the City’s announcement — covering free legal assistance for those facing deportation, immigration benefit applications, and much more.

Who Qualifies for Free Services

To be eligible for MOIA Legal Support Center services, you must:

• Reside in New York City
• Have an annual household income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (for a family of four, that is approximately $64,100 in 2026 — call the hotline to confirm the current figure)

There is no requirement to disclose your immigration status to receive assistance. Your information is completely confidential. According to MOIA, your sensitive information will not be shared with other agencies or immigration enforcement authorities.

What Services Are Available

MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers provide:

• Immigration legal screenings — a trained intake professional reviews your situation and determines what legal options apply to you
• Full legal representation — an attorney or accredited representative handles your case from filing through hearings
• Pro-se assistance — help preparing your own applications and forms if you are representing yourself
• Immigrant rights education — workshops and resources on your rights under New York City and New York State law
• Referrals to city services — connecting you to housing, healthcare, food access, and other support programs

Cases handled include: DACA renewals and challenges, green card applications, family petitions, asylum applications, U-visas for crime victims, VAWA petitions for survivors of abuse, citizenship applications, deportation defense, and removal proceedings.

Why This Matters Right Now

Immigration enforcement has intensified significantly in 2026 under federal policy changes. Legal advocacy organizations across Queens and the city report surging demand and stretched capacity. Immigration Law & Justice New York reported in April 2026 that it had sharply reduced its intake of new clients due to overwhelming caseloads. Community organizations in Queens flagged similar pressures.

In this environment, reaching a MOIA Legal Support Center early — before a crisis occurs — is critical. Do not wait for a Notice to Appear or an enforcement encounter before seeking legal advice.

Know Your Rights: What NYC Won’t Do

New York City maintains a policy of not directing city agencies to assist federal immigration enforcement in most circumstances. Under Executive Order 41 and related policies, most city agencies will not ask about your immigration status, will not share your information with ICE, and will continue to serve you regardless of status. MOIA maintains a Know Your Rights page at nyc.gov/immigrants/know-your-rights with resources in multiple languages.

Who This Helps

Immigrants across all five boroughs who need legal assistance but cannot afford private counsel. DACA recipients facing uncertainty. Mixed-status families navigating applications for one or more family members. Asylum seekers. Crime victims seeking U-visa protection. Survivors of domestic violence or trafficking seeking VAWA protection. Longtime residents working toward citizenship. Anyone who received a notice from immigration authorities and does not know what to do next.

How to Take Action

• Find a Legal Support Center near you: Call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365. Staff can match you with a center in your language and borough.
• MOIA main website: nyc.gov/immigrants
• ACCESS NYC program finder: Search “MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers” at access.nyc.gov for locations filtered by borough
• Know Your Rights resources: nyc.gov/immigrants/legal-resources/know-your-rights
• New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG): nylag.org/immigration — additional immigration services across NYC
• Immigration Law & Justice New York: iljny.org
• If you are approached by immigration enforcement: You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Do not sign any documents without legal advice.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about available legal services. It is not legal advice. Immigration law is complex and changes frequently. Please consult a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative for advice specific to your situation.

HelpNewYork covers resources for all New Yorkers. For related guides, see our coverage of DACA in 2026 and our guide to New York’s Clean Slate Act.