Immigration & Citizenship Services
Partnering with immigrant communities to create a safe and welcoming space for all.
Citizenship Classes
Free classes to help individuals prepare for the Naturalization Exam and interview.
Immigration & Citizenship Services at BakerRipley serves as a trusted resource for information, community, and connection. Our wraparound services include legal guidance, citizenship forums, and social services support.
Legal Services
New appointments open the last week of the month, excluding holidays and office closures. Appointments for October will open on 9/25/23.
Legal staff include licensed attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives. All new legal clients must first attend a consultation, which is free of charge. Please use the drop-down section below to learn about our services, cases we are currently accepting, and how to register. New appointments open monthly, excluding holidays, on the last week of the month.
Current Status: NOT ACCEPTING NEW CASES
Type of Consultation: In-person
BakerRipley provides legal orientation, one-on-one consultations, and social service help for asylum seekers. Register below for an appointment in our offices to learn about next steps in your asylum case, get help applying for a work permit, or complete forms to change your address with the court. Note: BakerRipley is not accepting new cases for court representation. See the RESOURCES section below for a list of organizations who could potentially represent you in court.
Click the link below to Register for an Asylum Orientation and Consultation only:
(Appointments Unavailable)
If no dates or times are available, it means we are fully booked for the current month. Appointments for the following month, will open the last Monday of the current month.
Current Status: ACCEPTING NEW CASES
Type of Consultation: Virtual
BakerRipley provides representation in Green Card Renewal cases and Naturalization cases. If you are ready to apply for Naturalization, we encourage you to sign up for a phone consultations to talk to our citizenship experts about your case. If you would prefer to attend one of our Saturday Citizenship Events, click on UPCOMING EVENTS to find the flyer for our next event.
To schedule a free virtual legal consultation, please use the link below to schedule your free virtual appointment.
https://bakerripleyimmigration.as.me/?appointmentType=10731912
If no dates or times are available, it means we are fully booked for the current month. Appointments for the following month, will open the last Monday of the current month.
CURRENT STATUS: Registration is OPEN. Sign up now!
Type of Classes: In-person or virtual
Our program offers FREE virtual Citizenship Classes to prepare you for the Citizenship Exam and interview. Our classes are a 10 weeks course that includes self-paced lessons and virtual live lessons with the instructor on Saturdays. Classes are ONLY in English.
Register here: Registration (force.com)
If you need assistance registering, click on the green button below that says Citizenship Classes Registration Guide to access a step by step guide.
If no dates or times are available, it means we are fully booked for the current month. Appointments for the following month, will open the last Monday of the current month.
Current Status: NOT ACCEPTING NEW CASES
Current Status: ACCEPTING NEW CASES
Type of Consultation: Virtual
BakerRipley provides representation in Green Card Renewal cases. We recommend applying for renewal 6 months prior to the expiration date of your current Legal Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
IMPORTANT! If you green card is only valid for 2 years, this is not the correct appointment. Please DO NOT schedule as it will result in a cancellation of the appointment. Please contact the individual(s) who originally helped you with your green card application.
To schedule a free virtual legal consultation, please use the link below to schedule your free virtual appointment.
https://bakerripleyimmigration.as.me/?appointmentType=12780751
If no dates or times are available, it means we are fully booked for the current month. Appointments for the following month, will open the last Monday of the current month.
CURRENT STATUS: ACCEPTING NEW CASES
Type of Consultation: Virtual
However, we can still complete a legal consultation to advise you if you qualify and your family member qualify, advise you what documents you would need and answer any of your questions with the understanding we will not be taking your case. If you would still like a virtual consultation, please use the links below.
If you are a U.S. Citizen, you can petition for your spouse, child, parent, or sibling. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you can petition for your spouse or child.
To schedule a free virtual consultation at our Gulfton office, please use the following link:
https://bakerripleyimmigration.as.me/?appointmentType=37908617
To schedule a free virtual consultation at our Pasadena office, please use the following link:
https://bakerripleyimmigration.as.me/?appointmentType=37909025
If no dates or times are available, it means we are fully booked for the current month. Appointments for the following month, will open the last Monday of the current month.
CURRENT STATUS: ACCEPTING NEW CASES
Type of Consultation: In-person or Virtual
BakerRipley provides direct representation to DACA Recipients who want to renew their Deferred Action status and work permit. We recommend applying for renewal 6 months prior to the expiration date of your current DACA. We offer In-Person Workshops (group setting) or Virtual Individual appointments for one-on-one consultation. The legal consultation and application assistance will be done at the same time, if we determine you still qualify. Please only sign up for one.
To register for a free virtual legal consultation by scheduling an Individual Appointment (virtual) at our Pasadena office, please use the link below.
https://bakerripleyimmigration.as.me/?appointmentType=37059268
To register for a free virtual legal consultation by scheduling an Individual Appointment (virtual) at our Gulfton office, please use the link below.
https://bakerripleyimmigration.as.me/?appointmentType=45404761
If no dates or times are available, it means we are fully booked for the current month. Appointments for the following month, will open the last Monday of the current month.
CURRENT STATUS: NOT ACCEPTING NEW CASES
Type of Consultation: N/A
Community members who are detained in the four Houston area detention centers can receive legal screenings and possible representation through the partner organizations. In order to be able to communicate with your friend/family member, we need the full name, Alien Number, and Country of Birth for the person who needs help.
Please collect this information and call the number below immediately to request help.
Family/Friends of detained individuals call: I-833-HOU-IMMI (1-833-468-4664)
Detained individuals in Houston detention centers can dial 944 from the phone inside the dorm.
If they are at Core Civic (CCA Houston), Joe Corley, or Montgomery Processing Center, People should:
1. Pick up the phone
2. Dial 2 for Spanish (1 for English, or 3-5 for a couple other languages)
3. Menu option 6 (7 at Livingston) for Immigration
4. Enter A# and Pin# and then 944.
Current Status: ACCEPTING CASES that are referred by our partner organization, The Alliance.
The Alliance’s Refugee Services offers a variety of programs to welcome newly arrived refugees and support refugees in their integration process.
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Their Reception & Placement program supports newly arrived refugees with: Housing, Food, Clothing, Cultural Orientation, Temporary Cash Assistance, School Enrollment, Public Benefits and connecting refugees to community resources.
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The Refugee Support Services are long-term support services available for refugees up to 5 years after their arrival, including: Job Readiness Training, Job Placement Services, Recertification support, Cultural Adjustment/Orientation, Counseling and Support Group Services and support for elderly refugees and refugees with disabilities.
To contact The Alliance for assistance, please use one of the methods below.
Phone: (713) 776-4700
Email: info@TheAllianceTx.org
Office: 6440 Hillcroft Ave., Houston, Tx, 77081
CURRENT STATUS: ACCEPTING NEW CASES for green cards and work permits.
Type of Consultation: Virtual
Refugees can apply for a green card one year after arriving in the United States with refugee status. Asylees (immigrants granted asylum status for USCIS or a Judge) can apply for a green card one year after winning asylum. Remember that public charge is NOT considered when applying for a green card as a refugee or asylee.
To schedule a free virtual consultation to apply for a Green Card Adjustment of Status as an APPROVED Asylee or Refugee, please use the link below to schedule your free virtual appointment.
https://bakerripleyimmigration.as.me/?appointmentType=12780843
To schedule a free virtual consultation to apply for a Work Permit (EAD) RENEWAL as an APPROVED Asylee or Refugee, please use the link below to schedule your free virtual appointment.
https://bakerripleyimmigration.as.me/?appointmentType=11170001
If no dates or times are available, it means we are fully booked for the current month. Appointments for the following month, will open the last Monday of the current month.
CURRENT STATUS: ACCEPTING NEW CASES for work permits.
Type of Consultation: Virtual
To schedule a free virtual consultation to apply for a Work Permit (EAD) INITIAL as a PENDING Asylum or Refugee, please use the link below to schedule your free virtual appointment.
https://bakerripleyimmigration.as.me/?appointmentType=47209485
If no dates or times are available, it means we are fully booked for the current month. Appointments for the following month, will open the last Monday of the current month.
CURRENT STATUS: ACCEPTING NEW CASES ProSe for Venezuelan Tapplicants.
Type of Consultation: In-person
Venezuelan nationals who were in the United States on March 8th, 2021 can now apply for TPS. All applicants must apply by the registration deadline of September 5th, 2021.
Burmese nationals who were in the United States on March 11th, 2021 can now apply for TPS. All applicants must apply by the registration deadline of November 22, 2021.
Haiti nationals who were in the United States on May 21, 2021 has been designated for TPS. Deadline to register for TPS has not been set.
To schedule a free virtual legal consultation, please use the link below to schedule your free virtual appointment.
https://bakerripleyimmigration.as.me/?appointmentType=12780597
If no dates or times are available, it means we are fully booked for the current month. Appointments for the following month, will open the last Monday of the current month.
CURRENT STATUS: ACCEPTING LIMITED CASES
Type of Consultation: Virtual
If you are undocumented and a survivor of a crime, you may be eligible for special immigration status.
Click here to learn more about the U Visa program
Click here to learn more about the VAWA program
Click here to learn about the T Visa program
To schedule a free virtual legal consultation, please use the link below to schedule your free virtual appointment.
https://bakerripleyimmigration.as.me/?appointmentType=34946129
If no dates or times are available, it means we are fully booked for the current month. Appointments for the following month, will open the last Monday of the current month.
CURRENT STATUS: ACCEPTING LIMITED CASES
Type of Consultation: Virtual
BakerRipley offers a General Immigration Legal Consultation in the event you are unsure if you qualify for any relief or none of the above are applicable to you. We recommend having any documentation that is related to your immigration history or criminal history ready for the legal consultation.
If no dates or times are available, it means we are fully booked for the current month. Appointments for the following month, will open the last Monday of the current month.
To schedule a free virtual legal consultation, please use the link below
Our team is available to come to your community gathering, school, or church to give a Know Your Rights and Informational Presentations.
Please email Monica Holtkamp at Mholtkamp@bakerripley.org to request a presentation. Please ensure the information below is included in the email.
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Name of Organization, Company, School, etc., & name of individual hosting the event
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Date of the event
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Time frame of event
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Expected audience (parents, students, teachers, adults (non-parents), etc..) & how many
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If this event will be in person or virtual
Citizenship Forums
BakerRipley’s Immigration & Citizenship program offers monthly Citizenship Forums to support lawful permanent residents with their Naturalization application. The forums can serve up to 75 applicants. For more information, visit our calendar.
Volunteer
There are many opportunities to volunteer with our program. The first step is signing up as a BakerRipley volunteer. During your registration process, make sure to select “Immigration” as an interest area. Once you are signed up you can see all available volunteer opportunities. You will also receive emails when new opportunities come available.
Donate
Thank you for believing that everyone deserves a safe place to belong and that families belong together.
Because of you, Neighbors all across the greater Houston area can find the advice, tools, and opportunities they need at BakerRipley! You can continue offering connection and support to immigrant families by making a donation to support:
- More community members receiving direct legal services through our immigration program expansion in the Pasadena/SE Houston area. Cleveland Ripley Campus will have a Supervising Attorney and Department of Justice Accredited Representative to help guide and support families.
- Recently arriving families seeking asylum through provision of legal services and basic needs social services at our community workshops.
- Low income neighbors qualified for DACA and TPS through direct legal services responsive to changing immigration laws.
About
A Trusted Partner
With more than 100 years of experience supporting immigrant communities and a nationally recognized model for appreciative community development, BakerRipley has taken a leading role in creating a welcoming and safe space for all.
The Immigration and Citizenship program at BakerRipley partners with immigrant communities to support a continuum of legal and social work services that help Neighbors learn, earn, belong and be well—including education and outreach, citizenship classes, legal assistance, social services, and referrals to other BakerRipley services.
Locations
BakerRipley Gulfton Sharpstown Campus
Department of Justice Recognized Site
6535 Rookin St.
Houston, TX, 77074
346-867-3871
BakerRipley Pasadena Campus
Department of Justice Recognized Site
720 Fairmont Pkwy.
Pasadena, TX 77504
346-867-3871
BakerRipley Ripley House Campus
4410 Navigation Blvd.
Houston, TX 77011
346-867-3871
Related Programs & Services
Social Services
WHAT ARE SOCIAL SERVICES?
The Immigration and Citizenship program is dedicated to providing holistic legal services. Our social work team can provide assessment and connection to community resources in the Houston region. If you are interested in learning more about social services programs and eligibility requirements, please let your legal representative know at the time of your scheduled consultation.
BakerRipley’s Social Service team specializes in connection and resources available to immigrant communities in the Houston region. We acknowledge barriers that exist that prevent access to services depending on the immigration status of an individual or family. Our mission is to create a bridge of access and connection to resources despite immigration status.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSISTANCE FUND
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSISTANCE FUND
FACT SHEET
Available in Multiple Languages
Interacting with Ice
What to do