Legal Support:

Legal questions can arise during times of change, especially when they involve housing, employment, immigration status, or access to essential services. Understanding your rights and knowing where to find reliable legal assistance can help reduce stress and uncertainty. The City of Columbus is committed to helping residents connect with trustworthy legal resources.

This page highlights local and statewide organizations that provide legal information, referrals, and assistance, including support for immigrants, refugees, and low-income households. These resources are intended to help residents navigate complex situations with clarity, confidence, and support.

Local legal services

  • Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS) – Immigration legal clinics and support with asylum, work authorization, citizenship, and more. CRIS Legal Services (crisohio.org)
  • Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO) – Free civil legal help for eligible residents, including immigration-related issues. LASCO Immigration Resources (lasco.org)
  • Catholic Social Services (Columbus) – The Our Lady of Guadalupe Center provides supportive services and may offer legal and immigration consultations/referrals. Our Lady of Guadalupe Center
  • Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS) – Resettlement support and connections to essential services. ETSS
  • Jewish Family Services (Columbus) – Refugee and New American support and community integration services. JFS Refugees & New Americans
  • Ohio Legal Help – Free legal information, forms, and connections to legal aid organizations statewide. OhioLegalHelp.org

National and directory-based legal support

  • Immigration Advocates Network (IAN) – Search a national directory of nonprofit immigration legal service providers. IAN Legal Directory
  • CRIS (listed in the IAN directory) – View CRIS service details in the directory. CRIS in IAN Directory
  • U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) – Refugee and immigrant support services. USCRI
  • Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) – Legal advocacy and assistance in parts of Ohio. ABLE

Not sure where to start? Use Ohio Legal Help for guided next steps, or use the IAN directory to find providers by location.

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