What the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society Is

The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, known as HIAS, is a nonprofit organization that provides services to immigrants and refugees. HIAS was founded in 1881 to help Jewish immigrants arriving in the United States, and it has expanded over time to serve people of all faiths and backgrounds who are navigating immigration. The organization operates in the United States and in countries around the world where people are fleeing persecution or seeking safety.

HIAS works on two main tracks: helping people overseas before they arrive in the United States, and supporting people who are already here. The services include legal help with immigration cases, housing information, job training, mental health support, and community programs. HIAS also advocates for immigration policy changes at the federal level.

Key Takeaways

  • HIAS provides legal information with immigration cases, including asylum claims, family reunification, and other immigration matters.
  • The organization offers housing support, job training, and mental health services to immigrants and refugees in the United States.
  • HIAS operates resettlement programs that help people relocate and rebuild their lives after arriving in America.
  • Services vary by location, so contacting your local HIAS office or checking their website will tell you what is available where you live.

Legal Help With Immigration Cases

One of HIAS's core services is legal representation and information on immigration matters. This includes helping people file asylum claims, pursue family-based immigration, address deportation cases, and navigate other immigration court proceedings. HIAS employs immigration attorneys and accredited representatives who can represent clients in immigration court and before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The legal services are not free for everyone — HIAS charges fees on a sliding scale based on income, meaning lower-income clients pay less or nothing. To find out whether you can get legal help and what it would cost, you contact the HIAS office nearest you. They will discuss your case and explain what services they can provide.

Housing and Resettlement Support

HIAS helps immigrants and refugees find housing when they first arrive or when they need to relocate. The organization works with landlords and housing providers to place people in apartments and homes, and in some cases provides financial information to cover deposits, first month's rent, or other housing costs. This support is especially important for people who have just arrived and do not yet have credit history, employment, or references in the United States.

Beyond finding a place to live, HIAS offers resettlement services that help people adjust to life in America. This can include help understanding how to pay utilities, navigate the rental market, understand tenant rights, and connect with community resources. Staff can also help with obtaining identification documents and registering children for school.

Job Training and Employment Services

HIAS provides job training and employment support to help immigrants become self-sufficient. Services include resume writing, interview preparation, job search information, and skills training in fields where there is local demand for workers. Some HIAS programs partner with employers to place people directly into jobs.

Employment services recognize that many immigrants have work experience from their home countries that may not transfer directly to the U.S. job market. HIAS staff help people understand how to present their skills, obtain certifications if needed, and find work that matches their background and goals.

Mental Health and Counseling Services

Many immigrants and refugees have experienced trauma, loss, or extreme stress before arriving in the United States. HIAS offers mental health counseling and support groups to help people process these experiences and adjust to their new lives. Counselors are trained in trauma-informed care and often speak multiple languages.

Mental health services may be offered individually or in group settings, and some programs focus on specific populations, such as families with children or survivors of human trafficking. HIAS also connects people to longer-term mental health care in their communities when ongoing treatment is needed.

How to Contact HIAS and Find Local Services

HIAS operates in multiple cities across the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and others. The organization's main website is hias.org, where you can find contact information for the office nearest you. Each local office serves a specific geographic area and may offer different services depending on funding and local partnerships.

When you contact HIAS, be prepared to discuss your situation — your immigration status, what kind of help you need, and your location. Staff will explain what services are available to you, what the process looks like, and what information you will need to provide. Some services may have wait lists, especially in busy offices, so calling early is worthwhile.

What HIAS Does Not Do

HIAS is not a government agency and does not make immigration decisions. The organization cannot may provide outcomes in immigration cases, and immigration law is complex — what HIAS can do is explain your options and represent you in court or before USCIS if you choose to work with them. HIAS also does not provide cash information or welfare benefits; instead, it helps you access services and build the skills to support yourself.

If you need emergency financial help or when ready shelter, HIAS staff can point you toward other organizations in your area that provide those services. HIAS's strength is in longer-term support — legal help, job training, housing, and counseling — rather than emergency relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be Jewish to get help from HIAS?

No. While HIAS was founded to help Jewish immigrants, the organization now serves people of all faiths and backgrounds. You do not need to be Jewish or have any particular religious affiliation to receive services.

How much does it cost to work with HIAS on an immigration case?

HIAS charges fees on a sliding scale based on your income. Some clients pay nothing, while others pay a reduced fee. Contact your local HIAS office to discuss your financial situation and learn what you would pay for the services you need.

Can HIAS help me if I am undocumented?

Yes. HIAS works with people regardless of immigration status. The organization can discuss your options, including whether you might be able to file for asylum or another form of protection. An attorney can explain what is possible in your specific situation.

How long does it take to get housing help from HIAS?

The timeline depends on your local office, current demand, and your specific needs. Some people are housed quickly, while others may wait weeks or longer. When you contact HIAS, ask about current wait times in your area.

Does HIAS help with family reunification?

Yes. HIAS provides legal help with family-based immigration cases, including sponsoring family members to come to the United States. An immigration attorney can review your family situation and explain what options exist.