Community Service
YMCA International Services - Immigration Legal
Provides affordable immigration legal services including help with citizenship applications, green cards, asylum, and DACA renewals.
Details
EligibilityImmigrants and refugees
FeesLow-cost; sliding scale
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Burmese, Swahili
HoursMon-Fri 8am-5pm
“Do not wait. The time will never be just right. Start where you stand, and work whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along. ”
— Napoleon HillRelated
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The Change Lab 2025 Annual Report: Building Civic Infrastructure Through Community Connection
“ THE CHANGE LAB A community of practice 2025 ANNUAL REPORT THE CHANGE LABthechangelab.net · A fiscally sponsored project of Impact Hub Houston · Page 1 of 2 We connect by serving and learning toget...”
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Social Connection in America: 2025 Survey Report on Community Bonds and Well-Being
“ 2025 Survey Report About This Project This survey will catalyze a broad and lasting impact—transforming how we define, prioritize, and support social connection in America. This survey is led by D...”
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From the Library
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California Wins Tax Credits for All Workers, Including ImmigrantsThe Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) in California achieved a major victory when Governor Newsom signed a law extending the California Earned Income Tax Credit to ALL workers, including undocumented immigrants. This means 2 million undocumented workers who were left out of federal COVID-19 relief can now get tax credits year after year. California IAF organized for months, bringing together over 1,200 faith and community leaders on Zoom calls with bishops and state legislators. They argued that immigrant workers are essential - they pay billions in taxes, contribute $180 billion to California's economy, and took on dangerous jobs during the pandemic to keep everyone fed and safe. Religious leaders like Fr. Arturo Corral said this was about justice, not charity, since these workers have been 'ruthlessly left out' of federal help despite their vital contributions. The campaign included letter-writing to the governor and legislative leaders during budget negotiations. This victory shows how community organizing can win real policy changes that help working families.
Houston Study Shows 750,000 Residents Affected by Immigration RaidsA major research study by Rice University found that more than 750,000 people in the Houston area personally know someone who was detained or deported during 2025 immigration enforcement. The Kinder Institute surveyed over 9,000 adults in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties. One in seven residents had a personal connection to someone affected, with higher rates in Hispanic communities (25%), immigrants (21%), and low-income families (24%). The study also found changing opinions: support for mass deportation dropped from 57% to 49% even among conservative residents, while support for citizenship pathways rose from 70% to 75%. Most people (82%) now say the immigration system isn't working well. The researchers noted this could impact Houston's economy, schools, and community planning. This is the first study to track how local families and neighborhoods experience immigration enforcement policies firsthand.
Podcast: When Students Report Teacher Abuse, Who Pays the Price?This podcast episode tells the story of two high school newspaper editors in Seattle who reported a teacher for inappropriate behavior with students. The teacher, Tom Hudson, allegedly made students shower naked with him and shared alcohol and pornography. When the students reported this to their journalism teacher, he said he would handle it privately instead of going to authorities. The students' parents eventually contacted officials, leading to the teacher's suspension. However, the school community blamed the student journalists for 'destroying' the teacher's reputation. The episode explores how young people who speak up about abuse often face backlash, even when they're trying to protect others. It raises important questions about how schools handle reports of misconduct and whether students should be punished for doing the right thing. The story shows the difficult position student journalists face when reporting on sensitive issues in their own schools.
Immigration Reform: Why America Needs to Update Its Immigration LawsThe American Immigration Council explains why America needs comprehensive immigration reform. Our immigration laws haven't been updated since 1990 - before the internet existed. The organization provides research and advocates for fair immigration policies that give people due process and meaningful hearings. They work on issues like helping undocumented immigrants get legal status and improving border security. The site includes recent reports showing how immigrants contribute to local economies, like in San Antonio where they play key roles as taxpayers, consumers, and entrepreneurs. They also track current immigration enforcement actions and policies, including travel bans and workplace raids. The Council publishes data showing that nearly half of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children, generating over $8 trillion in revenue. They offer toolkits for communities to support immigrants and advocate for policy changes. The organization fights in court to protect immigrant rights and works to move bipartisan solutions forward in Congress.
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All servicesYMCA of Greater Houston - Youth ProgramsOffers swimming, sports, summer camps, teen leadership programs, and childcare services at locations across Houston.YMCA of Greater HoustonAffordable fitness, youth programs, childcare, swim lessons, and community wellness across Houston.HIV Discrimination Legal HelpThe ACLU gives free legal help to people who are treated unfairly because they have HIV. They fight for your rights at work, in hospitals, and other places where you should be treated fairly.Houston 211 HelplineCall or text 211 to get free help finding food, housing, jobs, healthcare, and other services in Houston. Trained helpers are available 24/7 to connect you with resources in your neighborhood.Boat People SOS - HoustonServes Vietnamese and other refugee communities with immigration help, job training, language classes, and social services.LGBTQ Rights Legal Help and AdvocacyThe ACLU helps LGBTQ people who face unfair treatment at work, school, or other places. They provide free lawyers and fight in court to protect your rights and make sure everyone is treated fairly.
The Journey
28 connected resources across 5 levelsTrail depth
Level 1
Get CuriousRead, watch, explore2 resourcesLevel 2
Find Your PeopleMeet orgs, neighbors, groups14 resourcesYou are hereOrganizationEast Bay Sanctuary CovenantEast Bay Sanctuary Covenant helps immigrants who need legal support to stay safe in America. They provide free lawyers and legal advice to people facing deportation or seeking asylum. This organization works to protect immigrant families and help them understand their rights.
OrganizationRefugee Council of AustraliaThis group speaks up for people who had to leave their home countries to find safety in Australia. They work to make sure refugees and people seeking safety get fair treatment and the help they need.
OrganizationAmerican Immigration CouncilStudies immigration laws and helps people understand their rights. Researches how immigration affects communities and provides resources to help protect immigrant rights through education.
+11 more at this levelLevel 3
Show UpEvents, meetings, volunteeringWe are building resources for this level
Level 4
Go DeeperTraining, sustained involvement8 resourcesLevel 5
Make Your MoveAdvocacy, organizing, creating4 resourcesFocus Areas