Anaya's Way
Jonesboro, AR
Family petitions, humanitarian relief (U, T, VAWA, SIJS), citizenship, community outreach.
Guide
Pro bono immigration help in Arkansas.
Where to find free immigration consultations and low-cost immigration lawyers in Jonesboro, Little Rock, and across Arkansas — plus how to tell who's legitimate.
If you're searching for pro bono lawyers near me or a free immigration consultation in Arkansas, you have real options. Most immigration help in the state runs through a small group of nonprofits with licensed attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives on staff — not through individual private lawyers advertising free work. This guide walks through who to call, what to bring, and how to tell whether the person helping you is actually authorized to do it.
What "pro bono" really means for immigration cases
Pro bono means the legal work is done for free, usually because a nonprofit covers the attorney's time through grants and donations. Filing fees paid to USCIS (the federal government) are separate — fee waivers exist for many forms and most nonprofits will help you apply for one if you qualify. A fully free case usually means: free legal help and a granted USCIS fee waiver.
Free & low-cost immigration resources in Arkansas
Every organization below has been serving Arkansas families for years. Call first — intake windows and case-type priorities change month to month.
Catholic Charities Immigration Services
Little Rock, AR (statewide)
Low-cost immigration legal services, DOJ-recognized, family-based and humanitarian cases.
Center for Arkansas Legal Services
Little Rock, AR (central & south AR)
Free civil legal help for low-income Arkansans, including some immigration-adjacent matters and referrals.
Legal Aid of Arkansas
Jonesboro, AR (north & west AR)
Civil legal aid for low-income Arkansans; survivor-focused immigration remedies and referrals.
Arkansas United
Springdale, AR (statewide)
DACA renewals, citizenship workshops, community navigators, know-your-rights education.
Immi.org (national)
Online — free eligibility screener
Free plain-language screener that estimates which immigration options may fit your situation.
What to bring to a free consultation
- Photo ID for everyone in your household who needs help
- Any prior USCIS notices, receipts, or approval letters
- Passports, birth certificates, and marriage certificates you already have
- A short written timeline — when you entered the U.S., any past filings, any contact with immigration enforcement
- Recent pay stubs or tax returns if you plan to ask about a fee waiver
How to spot a legitimate helper
Only two kinds of people can legally give immigration advice or file forms for you in the United States: a licensed attorney, or a DOJ-accredited representative working for a DOJ-recognized organization. You can look up any organization on the DOJ Recognition & Accreditation roster. Avoid anyone called a "notario," "immigration consultant," or "tramitador" who isn't on that list — a wrong filing can trigger a denial or even a removal case.
If you're in Jonesboro or Northeast Arkansas
Anaya's Way is based in Jonesboro and works with families across Northeast Arkansas. We handle family petitions, humanitarian relief for survivors of trafficking and violence, SIJS for children, and citizenship — and we refer out to trusted partners when a case falls outside our scope. Filings are reviewed and signed by licensed immigration attorneys.
To request services or a free intake call, visit our contact page or call (870) 281-9426.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I find free immigration help in Arkansas?
- Free and low-cost immigration help in Arkansas is available through Anaya's Way in Jonesboro, Catholic Charities of Arkansas in Little Rock, the Center for Arkansas Legal Services, and Legal Aid of Arkansas. Each organization screens for financial need and case type. Anaya's Way offers attorney-reviewed filings and referrals when a case falls outside our scope.
- What is a pro bono immigration lawyer?
- A pro bono immigration lawyer is a licensed attorney who provides legal services for free, usually through a nonprofit or a bar association referral program. In Arkansas, most pro bono immigration work runs through recognized nonprofits and DOJ-accredited representatives rather than individual private lawyers.
- Do I qualify for a free immigration consultation?
- Most Arkansas nonprofits offer a free or low-cost initial consultation, then screen for financial need and case type before taking a full case. Bring photo ID, any prior USCIS notices, and a short summary of your situation to make the intake faster.
- What kinds of cases do pro bono immigration programs help with?
- Common case types include family-based petitions, U visas and T visas for crime and trafficking survivors, VAWA self-petitions, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for children, DACA renewals, asylum, and naturalization. Complex removal defense cases usually require a referral to specialized counsel.
- How can I tell if an immigration helper is legitimate?
- Only a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative working for a DOJ-recognized organization can give legal advice or file forms for you. Avoid anyone called a "notario" who is not on the DOJ recognition list — a wrong filing can put your case at risk.
This guide is general information about legal resources in Arkansas. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every immigration case turns on its own facts — talk to a licensed attorney or DOJ-accredited representative before you file anything.
Talk to our team
Not sure where to start? We can help you figure it out.
Free 15-minute intake calls with our Jonesboro team. We'll tell you whether we can take your case or point you to the Arkansas organization that can.