Immigration Counseling Service – Portland, OR

Oregon’s Oldest Non-Profit Immigration Law Firm

Immigration Counseling Service (ICS) is a historic institution in the Oregon legal landscape. Founded in 1978, it is the state’s oldest and only independent non-profit law firm dedicated exclusively to immigration law. Located in downtown Portland near Pioneer Courthouse Square, ICS was established with a mission to improve the lives of immigrants by providing access to affordable, high-quality legal services. The attorneys at ICS are not driven by profit; they are driven by the belief that justice should not be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. They specialize in helping the most vulnerable members of the immigrant community, including survivors of human trafficking, unaccompanied minors, and families fleeing violence. By combining legal representation with education and advocacy, ICS empowers individuals to navigate the U.S. immigration system with dignity.

Vital Legal Services for the Community

ICS provides a lifeline to those who might otherwise face the system alone:

• Low-Cost Legal Services: Offering consultations and representation on a sliding fee scale based on income, making legal help accessible to low-income families.
• Deportation Defense: Representing individuals in removal proceedings, often taking on complex cases involving asylum and cancellation of removal.
• Victim Services: A dedicated focus on obtaining U Visas for victims of crime and T Visas for survivors of human trafficking.
• VAWA Petitions: Helping survivors of domestic violence self-petition for legal status without the abuser’s knowledge or consent.
• Unaccompanied Minors: Providing legal counsel to children who have arrived in the U.S. alone, ensuring they are not left to navigate the courts by themselves.

Located in the Park Avenue Building

The Portland office is headquartered at 519 SW Park Avenue, in the Park Avenue Building. This location places the firm in the cultural and retail heart of downtown, just steps from Nordstrom and Pioneer Courthouse Square. The central location is critical for the population they serve, offering unmatched accessibility via public transit. The office provides a welcoming, safe space where clients from over 90 different countries can seek help without fear.

‘Achieving Equity and Justice for Immigrants.’ ICS has been fighting for immigrant rights for over 45 years. Their longevity is a testament to the trust they have earned within the community and their effectiveness in the courtroom.

How to Access Services

Due to the high demand for non-profit legal aid:

• Consultations: Services typically begin with a scheduled consultation to assess eligibility and legal options. There is often a nominal consultation fee.
• Languages: The staff is culturally competent and multilingual, offering services in English and Spanish, with access to interpreters for other languages.
• Community Education: ICS regularly conducts ”Know Your Rights” presentations to inform immigrant communities about changes in the law and how to protect themselves.

If you are seeking affordable, trustworthy legal help for an immigration matter, Immigration Counseling Service is a pillar of support. Contact them to schedule a consultation and gain an advocate who is on your side.