FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to use services through Find Your Ally?

This program provides a wide range of immigration legal services to undocumented and mixed status students, faculty, and staff affiliated with California Community College campuses. We also provide supports to non-credit, dual enrolled, and adult education students that are enrolled at community colleges

Can my family receive similar services through Find Your Ally?

The California Community Colleges only offer the free immigration legal services to students, faculty, and staff. You can make a free appointment and obtain a referral from legal providers for supporting family members. However, the CSU system's immigration program also provides services to family members of students, faculty, and staff affiliated with CSU campuses.

Do we provide support for employment-based visas?

Basic immigration legal services are available such as legal consultations to screen for immigration relief, DACA renewals, family-based petitions, naturalization/citizenship application, and advance parole.

Can you help me with my deportation case?

Removal defense cases are complex and unique to each individual. Currently our legal service providers cannot actively support this type of case. However, they can provide referrals to another provider that has that expertise and capacity to take on their case. We encourage students to schedule a free consultation to explore additional support options.

I attend a county office education, am I eligible for services?

Since the Higher Education Legal Services is only for students, faculty, or staff enrolled at California community colleges, the appointment can't be made through Find Your Ally. However, we can refer you to a list of providers that assist the general public. The general California population can access services free at a sliding scale through the affiliated organization in this PDF.

I attend adult education, am I eligible for services?

Since the Higher Education Legal Services is only for students, faculty, or staff enrolled at California community colleges, the appointment can't be made through Find Your Ally. However, we can refer you to a list of providers that assist the general public.

When do services end?

Services are still available to students, faculty, and staff regardless of their affiliation with California Community Colleges.

I recently filed my DACA renewal and came across this program, can I get reimbursement for my DACA renewal filing fees?

If you are a California community college student, faculty, or staff, the DACA fee is covered as long as the appointment and service is provided by one of the approved legal service providers. Here is a link with more details on the DACA assistance fund.

I need services in another language other than English, do you offer any language translation?

When booking a legal service appointment, you are able to let your legal service provider know of any language translation needed so it can be provided during the appointment.

How do I find appointments with a legal service provider?

If you are having trouble finding an appointment, please be sure to search for both Virtual and In-person options. More help documentation is available at this link. If no appointments are available, please click here for direct contact information for legal provider organizations that support your affiliated community college.

What types of services are available through legal service providers?

Basic immigration legal services are available such as legal consultations to screen for immigration relief, DACA renewals, family-based petitions, naturalization/citizenship application, and advance parole. Services for removal defense or asylum applications are not included, but can receive referrals through a free appointment.

I have set an appointment with a provider. What is the next step?

Meeting with a legal representative can be an overwhelming experience. We understand that it may be challenging to know what to expect or what information to bring. Download this guide to prepare for your appointment.

I have set an appointment with a provider. How do I get in touch with the provider prior to my appointment?

Once you’ve scheduled your first appointment, make sure to keep an eye out for any follow-up confirmation based on the selected choice of communication: Email or Text

I already have an existing case and need to relocate my information for a follow up, where can I find it?

Utilize the “Look Up My Previously Scheduled Appointment” to locate past appointments.

I am looking for financial assistance and support for DACA renewal, naturalization, etc. Where can I find more information?

Book a free immigration legal service appointment to get an eligibility screening to find out what you may or may not be eligible for, common immigration legal support offered to students includes, but is not limited to, DACA renewals, family-based petitions, naturalization requests, and more.

My zip code area does not have any available appointments. Where can I find more information and how to book?

If you are unable to find an appointment in your zip code area, please click here for direct contact information for legal provider organizations that support your affiliated community college.

How can I reschedule my appointment?

Utilize the “Look Up My Previously Scheduled Appointment” to locate scheduled appointments.

Is my information being shared with the state?

The California Community Colleges and the Higher Education Legal Services Appointment Portal do not capture information on undocumented students. California Community Colleges will not release personally identifiable student information related to immigration status unless required by judicial order.

If I drop my classes before the completion of my services, am I able to continue receiving services?

Services are still available to students, faculty, and staff regardless of their affiliation with California Community Colleges.

Are there resources available to translate documentations?

We recommend scheduling a “General Legal Consultation” with a legal service provider designated for your college. The Caseworker will be able to review the documents and provide support as needed.