About us

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, in partnership with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC), has developed the Higher Education Immigration Legal Services Program. This program provides a wide range of free immigration legal services to undocumented and mixed status students, faculty and staff on California community college campuses.

Our purpose

Empower students with accurate and current information about immigration law and policy and increase access to legal representation by a qualified provider.

$10 million investment

Annually, the State of California invests $10 million for the California Department of Social Services to contract with nonprofit organizations and bring immigration legal services to all California Community Colleges. Free or low cost legal services was one of the three critical needs identified through the Dreamers Project Report. (Opens in a new window) CDSS, the FoundationCCC, and the Chancellor’s Office are proud to be addressing this need by connecting students, faculty and staff to immigration legal services, resources and providers across the state.

Educational outreach

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is contracted to develop informational webinars and resources with current and up-to-date information.

Webinar recordings and additional resources are available. (Opens in a new window)

Legal service provider selection criteria

California Department of Social Services selects organizations to provide legal services that meet the criteria of the California’s Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 13300 -13306. The Legal providers must:

Be an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) or 501(c) (5) non-profit organization.
Have at least three (3) years of experience handling immigration cases.
Be recognized by the US Department of Justice or State Bar of California as a Legal Access Program.