Immigration rules are changing quickly. Here are resources to help South Floridians
Here are some places to start searching for legal help to navigate the uncertainty.
Resources for finding an immigration attorney
American Immigration Lawyers Association has a tool for searching for a lawyer. You can filter by location and also by language. You can also call them at 1-800-954-0254 for a referral.
Resources for finding free or low-cost legal help
Here is a list of Pro Bono (free) Legal Service Providers in Florida, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review. This was updated January 2025.
Here is a website to help low-income people find immigration attorneys: https://www.immigrationlawhelp.org/
You can use the National Immigration Legal Services Directory to search for immigration legal services providers by state, county, or detention facility.
Here is a list of Free Legal Service Providers for noncitizens in U.S. Customs and Border Protection Custody.
Things to know about immigration status and schools
Under the law, all children regardless of immigration status, are entitled to an education.Immigration officials can only enter a school with a warrant signed by a federal judge. Experts say the risk of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents coming to a school is low because judicial warrants are granted in the context of criminal investigations.
Recommendations for interacting with immigration officials
The Florida Rapid Response Alliance for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment created a list of recommendations for immigrants who have encounters with immigration officers. You can see the full list here. Experts say the best way for people to protect their rights is to exercise their right to stay silent and ask for an attorney, and ask for a warrant if law enforcement asks you to open the door to your home.
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