Mid-South Immigration Advocates | MIA – Memphis, TN

Justice for the Vulnerable

Mid-South Immigration Advocates (MIA) is a pioneering non-profit law firm based in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 2013, MIA was established to fill a critical gap in the legal system: the lack of government-appointed counsel for individuals facing deportation. Operating similarly to a public defender’s office but funded through grants and donations, MIA provides free and low-cost legal representation to low-income immigrants who would otherwise navigate the complex immigration court system alone. The organization is dedicated to keeping families together and protecting the most vulnerable members of society, including children and survivors of violence. With a team of compassionate attorneys and social workers, MIA offers a holistic approach to legal defense, addressing not just the legal case but the broader stability of their clients.

Vital Legal Services

MIA focuses its resources on cases where legal intervention can save lives. A major part of their practice is representing unaccompanied minors who have fled danger in their home countries, helping them apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) or asylum. They also provide robust defense for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and U-visas. MIA is a key member of the "Welcome South" coalition, working to provide universal representation for detained immigrants in the Mid-South region. By providing high-quality legal counsel, they ensure that due process is upheld and that no one is deported simply because they are too poor to afford a lawyer.

• Children’s Project: representing unaccompanied minors in removal proceedings to secure safety and legal status.
• Survivors’ Project: assisting victims of crime, trafficking, and domestic abuse in obtaining legal protection.
• Deportation Defense: Fighting removal orders in immigration court for long-time residents and asylum seekers.
• Family Unity: Helping families navigate the complex pathways to legal residency and citizenship.
• Community Education: conducting ”Know Your Rights” workshops to empower immigrant communities.

Central Poplar Avenue Location

Mid-South Immigration Advocates is located at 3340 Poplar Ave, in the Highland Heights neighborhood of Memphis. The office is situated in Suite 215 of a professional office building near the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Highland Street. This central location makes the firm accessible to clients from across the city, utilizing the major bus lines that run along Poplar. The office is a safe and welcoming space, designed to put clients at ease. Being outside of the intimidating downtown court district, the location offers a more approachable environment for families and children seeking help.

A Mission-Driven Team

The attorneys and staff at MIA are driven by a deep commitment to human rights. Led by Executive Director Alicia Horst and Legal Director Sally M. Joyner, the team works tirelessly to advocate for their clients. They are supported by a network of volunteers and pro bono attorneys who share their vision of equal justice for all. MIA is not just a law firm; it is a community lifeline. If you or a loved one are facing immigration challenges and cannot afford a private attorney, Mid-South Immigration Advocates is there to help. They offer services in multiple languages, ensuring that every client is heard and understood.

Immigrants’ rights are human rights. We fight to ensure that justice is not a luxury reserved for the wealthy. – MIA Team

Recognized Impact

Since its founding, MIA has handled thousands of cases and secured legal status for hundreds of new Americans. Their work has been recognized by the Memphis Bar Foundation and national organizations like the Immigrant Justice Corps. By combining legal expertise with social work support, they provide a model of representation that truly changes lives. 🌎 ⚖️