USCRI is a nonprofit that helps immigrants with legal services and resettlement

USCRI stands for the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. It is a nonprofit organization that provides legal help, job training, housing support, and other services to people who are refugees, asylees, or immigrants. USCRI does not work for the government, though it partners with federal agencies like the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security to carry out resettlement work.

USCRI operates in multiple U.S. cities and also runs programs overseas. The organization focuses on people who have fled persecution, violence, or extreme hardship in their home countries. If you are a refugee or asylee, USCRI may be able to help you navigate the legal system, find work, or access housing — but the services available depend on which USCRI office is near you and what funding they currently have.

Key Takeaways

  • USCRI provides free or low-cost legal help with immigration cases, including asylum, green card applications, and citizenship.
  • The organization offers job training, employment placement, and help understanding workplace rights for immigrants and refugees.
  • USCRI can connect you with housing, cash information, and other support services, especially if you are newly resettled.
  • Services vary by location — you need to contact your local USCRI office to learn what they offer and whether they can take your case.
  • USCRI is not a government agency, so it cannot make final decisions on immigration cases, but it can represent you in interviews and hearings.

What legal services USCRI provides

USCRI employs immigration attorneys and accredited representatives who can help you understand your options and represent you in front of immigration authorities. They work on asylum cases, green card petitions, citizenship applications, and other immigration matters. The lawyers and representatives can attend interviews with you, file paperwork, and represent you in immigration court if your case goes to a hearing.

The organization also provides legal orientation — meaning they explain the immigration system, your rights, and what to expect. This is especially important if you are facing deportation or removal proceedings, because understanding the process and your options can change the outcome of your case. USCRI can also help you understand what documents you need and how to gather them.

Not every USCRI office takes every type of case. Some focus on asylum, others on family-based immigration, and some on helping people who are detained. You will need to contact your local office to ask whether they can take your case and what the wait time is.

Employment and job training services

USCRI runs job training and employment programs in many cities. These programs teach job skills, help you understand how to look for work in the United States, and connect you with employers who are hiring. Some programs also teach English, which is often a barrier to finding work.

USCRI staff can help you understand your workplace rights — for example, what you should be paid, what to do if your employer is not following labor laws, and whether you can report safety problems without risking your immigration status. They can also help you understand tax documents like the W-4 form and explain how Social Security works.

Employment services are usually free, though some programs may ask you to pay a small fee depending on your income. The jobs USCRI connects people with range from entry-level positions to skilled work, depending on your background and what training you complete.

Housing and resettlement support

If you are newly resettled as a refugee or asylee, USCRI can help you find housing, understand your lease, and navigate the rental process. The organization may also help with security deposits, first month's rent, or other upfront costs, depending on what funding is available.

USCRI also connects people with cash information, food programs, and health insurance. They can explain how to enroll in Medicaid or other government programs and help you understand what documents you need. If you have children, USCRI can help you understand school enrollment and what support is available for families.

Resettlement support is usually available for the first few months after you arrive in the United States, though some services continue longer. The amount and type of help depends on your status (refugee versus asylee, for example) and what programs exist in your area.

How to find your local USCRI office

USCRI has offices in many U.S. cities, but not in every city. To find the office nearest you, visit the USCRI website and look for their office locator tool, or call their main number and ask for a referral. You can also search online for "USCRI" plus your city name.

When you contact an office, be ready to explain your situation briefly — for example, whether you are a refugee, asylee, or immigrant, and what kind of help you need. The staff can tell you whether they offer that service, whether they are currently taking new cases, and what the next steps are. Some offices have long wait lists, so it is worth calling multiple offices if you are in a region with more than one.

If there is no USCRI office in your area, the staff can sometimes refer you to another nonprofit that provides similar services. Many cities have local immigration nonprofits that work alongside USCRI or provide overlapping services.

What documents to bring when you contact USCRI

When you first reach out to USCRI, you do not need to have all your documents ready. However, having certain papers on hand will help the staff understand your situation and give you better information. Bring your passport or national ID, any immigration documents you have (like a notice to appear in court, an I-94 card, or a work permit), and any documents related to your case (like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or police records).

If you are explore for asylum or another benefit, bring any evidence of persecution, hardship, or family relationships — for example, letters from people in your home country, medical records, or news articles about conditions there. If you are already in removal proceedings, bring the court papers you received.

Do not worry if you do not have everything. USCRI staff can tell you what you need and help you figure out how to get it. Bringing what you have is enough to start the conversation.

Cost of USCRI services

USCRI provides most services for free or at a very low cost. Legal representation is usually free for refugees and asylees, and for low-income immigrants. Some programs may charge a small fee based on your income, but USCRI will tell you upfront what the cost is and whether you can get the service for free based on your financial situation.

The organization is funded by grants, donations, and government contracts, so they can offer services without charging full price. However, funding varies year to year, which can affect how many people they can serve and how long the wait is to get help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USCRI work with the government?

USCRI is a nonprofit, not a government agency, but it does contract with the U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security to provide resettlement services for refugees. This means USCRI receives government funding to help refugees resettle, but USCRI itself makes decisions about how to use that funding and what services to offer.

Can USCRI help me if I am undocumented?

USCRI primarily serves refugees, asylees, and people in the immigration system. If you are undocumented and do not have a case pending, USCRI may not be able to help directly, but they can refer you to other nonprofits that work with undocumented immigrants. Call your local office and explain your situation.

How long does it take to get legal help from USCRI?

Wait times vary by office and depend on how many cases they are handling. Some offices can see you within weeks; others have wait lists of several months. Call your local office to ask about current wait times and whether they are taking new cases.

Will USCRI tell immigration authorities about me?

USCRI staff are bound by attorney-client privilege and confidentiality rules. They will not share information about you with immigration authorities unless you give them permission or a court orders them to. You can ask about confidentiality when you first contact them.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer but USCRI cannot help me?

Many cities have other nonprofits and legal aid organizations that work with immigrants. You can search online for "immigration legal aid" plus your city name, or call 211 to ask for referrals to free or low-cost legal help in your area.