Immigration

Navigating a complicated, chaotic system.

The U.S. immigration system is complicated even for those of us who speak English. Imagine what it is like trying to navigate our challenging healthcare and legal systems without a guide. These resources may be helpful for you in advocating for immigrant individuals and families.

  • The Office of Global Michigan: Black, Middle Eastern, Hispanic/Latino, LGBTQ, Asian, immigration and Refugee Councils, go here.

    Michigan Immigration Rights Center Council, go here.

    Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation: Visa processing, naturalization assistance, referrals, and adult education services. For more details, call 313.967.4880 or go here.

    Jewish Family Services (Afghan Refugee Support): Housing, school transportation, and community support for refugees from Afghanistan. For more details, call 734.769.0209 or go here.

    ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services): Immigration referral, assistance, and advocacy focused on the Arab community. For more details, call 313.842.7010 or go here.

    Muslim Family Services: Community-based support services for individuals and families. For more details, call 313.366.6800 or go here.

    Chinese American Society of Ann Arbor: Community gatherings, cultural exchange, and social events promoting connection and heritage. For more details, go here.734.355.2707

    ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services), immigration referral, assistance and advocacy focused on the Arab community. 313.842.7010

    Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, free legal assistance for immigrants who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. 734.998.6100

    SEMCA Michigan Works, assists all work-authorized immigrants with overcoming language barriers, lack of a documented educational and employment history, and other barriers to employment and their successful integration into Michigan’s economy, 734.229.3500

  • Washtenaw Literacy: Free tutoring for adults in reading, writing, English language learning, and computer skills. For more details, call 734.679.0099 or go here.

  • Office of Global Michigan – State Advisory Councils: Information on Michigan’s Black, Middle Eastern, Hispanic/Latino, LGBTQ+, Asian & Pacific Islander, Immigration, and Refugee advisory councils. For more details, go here.

    Michigan Immigrant Rights Center – Immigration Rights Information: Resources and updates on immigrant rights and protections in Michigan. For more details, go here.

    Michigan Legal Help: Guidance on short-term delegation of parental authority for individuals at risk of separation from their children. For more details, go here.

    VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday): Free, secure, and confidential access to federal custody status and criminal case information. For more details, go here.

    United We Dream: The largest immigrant youth-led network in the U.S., supporting, engaging, and empowering young people through advocacy and organizing. For more details, go here.

    Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC): Free legal assistance for immigrants who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. For more details, call 734.998.6100 or go here.

    Ellis Porter (Immigration Attorneys): Legal services for employment-based and family immigration matters. For more details, call 248.519.9900 or go here.

  • International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit: Assists low-income families from diverse backgrounds with visa renewals, family reunification, recovery from domestic violence or natural disasters, and pathways to U.S. citizenship. For more details, call 313.871.8600 ext. 234 or go here.

  • SEMCA Michigan Works!: Employment services for work-authorized immigrants, including assistance with language barriers and employment documentation challenges. Services available in English, Arabic, and Spanish. For more details, call 800.285.9675 (or 734.229.3500 for disability services) or go here.

    Refugee Development Center (Lansing): Interpreters in ten languages, fresh food distribution, social groups, résumé and college application support for immigrants and refugees. For more details, call 517.484.1010 or go here.

    Farmworker Legal Services of Michigan: Free legal assistance for low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents. Services available in English and Spanish. For more details, call 734.665.6181 or go here.

    Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice: National advocacy organization focused on fair wages and workers’ rights. For more details, go here.

  • USAHello – Housing & Utilities Guide: Renter, housing search, and utilities guide for immigrants and refugees, available in 20 languages. For more details, go here.

    Newcomer Rental Subsidy Program: Rental assistance for up to 12 months for refugees, asylees, and other eligible newcomers. Available in eight languages. For more details, go here.

    Fair Housing Center of Southeastern Michigan: Investigates illegal housing discrimination and provides fair housing advocacy. For more details, call 734.994.3426 or 1.877.979.FAIR (3247) or go here.

    American Federation of Teachers (AFT): Union representing professionals and advocating for fairness, democracy, economic opportunity, and quality public services. For more details, go here.