The Immigrant Justice Center (IJC) provides various legal services to Wisconsin's under served immigrant community. Law students (under the supervision of the clinical instructor) provide these legal services free of charge.
Types of Cases
Forms of Humanitarian Relief
Assistance with applications for humanitarian relief available to non-citizen victims of:
- Crime
- Persecution
- Human Trafficking
- Deportation
Students also make monthly visits to the Dodge County Detention Center in Juneau, Wisconsin, to conduct screenings and provide legal assistance to non-citizens detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Long-term immigration options
The Immigration Legal Support Office (ILSO) within IJC provides information, representation, and referrals for foreign nationals in the Wisconsin community pursuing long-term immigration options including employment-based adjustment and family-based immigration cases.
How do I request help from the Immigrant Justice Center?
You may contact IJC at any time by calling 608-890-3753. We will schedule an intake, either over the phone or in person, to discuss your situation and the possibility of receiving legal services from IJC. If you know you are requesting assistance from ILSO, you can complete this intake form or email uw.ilso@wisc.edu.
Please attempt to gather any and all immigration-related paperwork that you may have in anticipation of an intake, as this will help us assess your case and our ability to represent you. If IJC is unable to accept your case for representation, we will refer you to an agency that can.
IJC may be able to help you if:
- You or a family member has been placed in removal proceedings and has been scheduled for a hearing before the Immigration Court in Chicago, IL;
- You or a family member has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Dodge County Detention Center in Juneau, WI;
- You or a family member does not have legal status in the USA, but has been the victim of domestic violence, human trafficking or any other crime in the USA;
- You or a family member has been persecuted or tortured in their country of origin;
- You are a criminal defense attorney representing a client who is not a citizen of the United States, and you want advice regarding the potential immigration consequences of a plea or conviction.
- You have an approved I-140 or I-130 and are looking to adjust status.
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You are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and are wanting to sponsor an immediate family member.
IJC cannot help you if:
- You already have an immigration attorney;
- You are looking for assistance in recovering wages from an employer:
- You have questions regarding any other field of law, such as bankruptcy, family law, housing, personal injury, or worker's compensation. If you have a problem in one of these areas, please contact the State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Services at (608) 257-4666/(800)362-9082, or at www.wisbar.org.
- You have questions about your immigration status that is sponsored by International Student Services (ISS) or International Faculty & Staff Services (IFSS).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost for IJC to take my case?
IJC does not charge a fee for our services. However, clients are expected to pay for any fees associated with their application such as USCIS filing fees, obtaining copies of certified documents or any other case related expenses.
I have an urgent deadline to meet, can you help me file ASAP?
Our office is a teaching clinic for law students under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Because this clinic serves as a learning opportunity for students, our processing times may be longer than a traditional firm. For individuals who have an urgent deadline, we will refer to a local attorney for hire.
What kind of cases do you take?
IJC can represent employment-based adjustment of status, family-based cases and other limited humanitarian applications. All cases are determined on a case by case basis depending on capacity.
Partner Links
CILC
Provides legal representation and consultations for those facing deportation, as well as education regarding immigration issues.
International Faculty & Staff Services (IFSS)
Provides assistance for all non-students whose immigration status is sponsored by the UW.
Centro
Provides consultations and legal services to the community along with other social services.
Office of Immigration Affairs
Supports Dane County families and individuals through case management, resources and representation.
International Student Services
Resources and information for international students at University of Wisconsin.
