Pro bono means legal work provided free of charge to people who cannot afford to pay. The term comes from the Latin phrase pro bono publico, meaning “for the public good.”

What Kinds of Services Are Offered Pro Bono?

Immigration attorneys and legal organizations may offer pro bono help with:

  • Asylum applications
  • Deportation defense
  • Green card or visa applications
  • Work permits
  • Appeals

Some lawyers or nonprofits dedicate part of their caseload to helping immigrants and other vulnerable groups for free.

Who Offers Pro Bono Help?

  • Private attorneys (sometimes through volunteer programs)
  • Nonprofit legal aid organizations
  • Law school clinics
  • Pro bono networks (such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s Pro Bono Project)

How to Find Pro Bono Help

  • Use online directories like immigrationadvocates.org
  • Contact local legal aid clinics
  • Ask nonprofit organizations that serve immigrants

This page is for informational purposes only and does not offer legal advice.

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