The Immigration Court Helpdesk (ICH) is a court-based legal education program for non-detained noncitizens in immigration court proceedings. The goal of ICH is to provide non-detained respondents appearing before the court with information about court practices and procedures, available legal options, and other relevant topics. Because immigrants in court proceedings are not entitled to legal representation at the government’s expense, ICH prepares unrepresented individuals to understand the immigration court process and navigate a complex legal system on their own. 

In 2021, ICH expanded from five to thirteen sites nationwide, including San Francisco. ICWC is the provider for ICH services at the San Francisco Immigration Court. 

Services we offer through ICH:

  • Group Information Sessions: Group information sessions explain the removal hearing process and provide general information about the statutory requirements for various defenses and forms of legal relief. Topics covered in group information sessions might include removal process; statutory requirements for various forms of relief; Notice to Appear (NTA), voluntary departure; consequences of re-entering the U.S. after a removal order has been issued; and courtroom procedure.

  • Individual Information Sessions: These are one-on-one sessions with unrepresented individuals where providers share information about immigration law and procedure and answer any specific questions the respondent may have. The goal of the individual information session is to help individuals understand their legal situations and provide additional information about possible forms of relief or immigration court procedures.

  • Self-Help Workshop: Self-Help Workshops are interactive, classroom-like sessions that provide individuals in removal proceedings with the skills they need to represent themselves in immigration court (pro se).

  • Pro Bono Outreach: Where possible, ICWC may help respondents secure pro bono or “low bono” representation.

 

ICWC provides ICH services from its downtown San Francisco office, located a block away from the San Francisco Immigration Court.

 

For more information:

Call us at (415)-728-0420. 

Email us at: ayuda.corte@icwclaw.org
Visit us at: 381 Bush Street, Suite 800 San Francisco, CA 94104