Center For Legal Immigration Assistance Lincoln, NE

Compassionate Legal Aid for Immigrants and Refugees

The Center for Legal Immigration Assistance (CLIA) is a vital non-profit organization located in Lincoln, Nebraska, dedicated to providing high-quality legal services to immigrants and refugees. Founded in 2001, CLIA was established to address the critical lack of affordable immigration counsel in the region. As a 501(c)(3) organization accredited by the Department of Justice, CLIA stands as a beacon of hope for individuals navigating the complex and often daunting U.S. immigration system. The organization’s mission goes beyond mere legal representation; it strives to empower the immigrant community by offering a holistic approach that includes mental health support and educational workshops.

CLIA distinguishes itself by serving those who might otherwise be unable to afford private counsel. The organization operates on a sliding fee scale based on household income and family size, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to justice. The staff consists of experienced attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives who are passionate about keeping families together and protecting vulnerable individuals. They have a proven track record of success in handling sensitive cases, including those for survivors of domestic violence and other crimes.

Specialized Immigration Services

CLIA focuses exclusively on immigration law, offering a comprehensive suite of services:

• Humanitarian Relief: Assisting survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes in obtaining U Visas, T Visas, and relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
• DACA Renewals: Helping young immigrants maintain their deferred action status and work authorization.
• Family Petitions: Guiding families through the process of reunifying with loved ones through relative petitions and consular processing.
• Naturalization and Citizenship: Preparing lawful permanent residents for the naturalization interview and civics test to become U.S. citizens.
• Removal Defense: Providing representation for individuals facing deportation proceedings in immigration court.

A Community-Centered Approach

Located in Northeast Lincoln, CLIA is deeply embedded in the local fabric. The organization is unique in its multilingual capabilities, offering services in languages such as Spanish, Arabic, Dari, and Pashto to better serve Nebraska’s diverse population. Beyond legal filings, CLIA actively engages with the community through ‘Know Your Rights’ presentations and collaborates with local law enforcement and crisis centers to ensure the safety and stability of their clients. By combining legal expertise with compassionate care, the Center for Legal Immigration Assistance plays an indispensable role in helping new Nebraskans build secure and prosperous lives.