Who We Are
Indiana Legal Services, Inc. created the Immigrants’ and Language Rights Center (ILRC) in an effort to reach vulnerable and underserved immigrant and limited English proficient populations within Indiana. These populations have particular difficulties accessing legal services because of their language and cultural barriers. They may also have legal issues that are different than other legal service clients. ILRC works to reduce these barriers to services by employing different means to reach these groups and provide them with quality legal services.
What We Do
The ILRC is a statewide Center operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana. The ILRC provides direct legal representation on qualifying immigration matters and language access cases to residents of Indiana. The Center hosts a statewide intake line for immigrants and limited English proficient (LEP) individuals seeking services through Indiana Legal Services, and the ILRC staff provides support to ILS’ eight branch offices, by offering translation help and consultation on immigration eligibility rules.
The ILRC conducts outreach around the state and has collaborated with other nonprofit organizations to increase access to legal services for immigrants and LEP individuals.
The ILRC handles a variety of cases including:
- U Nonimmigrant and T Nonimmigrant immigration benefits for immigrant survivors of crime and sex and labor trafficking
- Petitions under the Violence Against Women Act
- Naturalization
- Affirmative asylum and related matters
- Removal defense and related matters
- Adjustment of status (to become a lawful permanent resident/“green” card holder)
- Family-based immigration cases
- Language access matters and language discrimination cases.
Who We Represent
The ILRC assists immigrants and LEP populations in Indiana. An individual may qualify if s/he is a resident of Indiana, is low income, and has an eligible immigration status. The ILRC is just one part of Indiana Legal Services, which provides civil legal services in a variety of other areas.
How To Apply
The ILRC operates a statewide Call Center for immigrants and limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. For legal assistance, call our intake line:
NOTE: Starting September 23, 2024, ALL applicants, including for immigration cases, should call 1-844-243-8570, Monday through Thursday 10am to 2pm EST, or complete an online application.
AVISO: A partir del 23 de septiembre de 2024, TODO solicitante, incluso para casos de inmigración, debe llamar al 844-243-8570, lunes a jueves 10am a 2pm, o completar una solicitud por internet
*Note that the Center only conducts in person consultations on an emergency, case-by-case basis.
Non-criminal, civil legal issues including public benefits such as food stamps, SSI/SSDI terminations, unemployment, land sale contracts, etc.
The application should take about 20 minutes to complete. You will need to answer questions about your income, assets, and household size. Submitting an application does NOT mean that we will accept your case. You should hear from us within about 14 days with a decision on whether we will be able to take your case.
Indiana Legal Services, Inc. (ILS) is a nonprofit law firm and the largest provider of free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income people in Indiana. ILS helps clients who are faced with legal problems that harm their ability to obtain basic needs such as food, shelter, income, medical care or personal safety. ILS also handles cases in other areas including family law where there is domestic violence, housing, consumer law, access to health care, and access to government benefits. ILS does not handle any criminal matters.