Immigrant and Refugee Law Center

A nonprofit organization

$1,075 raised by 8 donors

11% complete

$10,000 Goal

OUR MISSION
The Immigrant and Refugee Law Center provides accessible legal services to immigrant and refugee families in the Greater Cincinnati community.
OUR VALUE
Equal and trusted access to justice and legal services for immigrants and refugees in the Greater Cincinnati area and a more welcoming, safer, and more stable community for families.
ABOUT IRLC

Immigration is a human issue. Cincinnati is home to refugees and asylum seekers from around the world – families forced to flee from violence and lawlessness in their home countries.

After making arduous and often dangerous journeys to reach safety in our community, families face a host of challenges including an incredibly complex legal system, possible deportation and family separation, and barriers to employment, housing, and education. Having legal guidance and representation can make all the difference.

In response to the urgent need for legal services for immigrant and refugee families in Cincinnati, the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center (IRLC) began operation in February 2018. IRLC is a one-of-a-kind school-based nonprofit organization that provides pro bono legal services across a spectrum of humanitarian needs for low-income immigrant and refugee families.

WE HELP OUR CLIENTS UNDERSTAND THEIR LEGAL RIGHTS. AND WE HELP THEM NAVIGATE OUR COMPLEX AND INTIMIDATING LEGAL SYSTEM.

While our law office were co-located within comprehensive community learning centers in Cincinnati schools, we began leveraging a network of valued and trusted partner services that provides holistic support for families including clothing, housing, food, financial assistance, trauma counseling, early childhood education, English classes, and much more. Now that we are located in an independent building, we continue to work closely with community learning centers in Cincinnati schools to ensure that all immigrant and refugee families know how to access our services.

SUCCESS STORIES

RONALDO PASCUAL RAMOS

Rolando came to the U.S. from Guatemala at age five and has grown up entirely in America. As he approached his 18th birthday, his only Green Card was about to expire; putting him at risk of deportation, unlike his four younger siblings who are U.S. citizens. With limited English skills, his mother sought help through his school, and his case was referred to the Immigrant & Refugee Law Center (IRLC).

Facing a tight deadline, IRLC guided Rolando and his family through the complex process and secured his new Green Card in just six months; an unusually fast turnaround. Now a high school student who loves ceramics and hopes to become an auto mechanic, Rolando can move forward with stability and confidence. His next step will be applying for citizenship when he turns 28.

MARCIA BEST

Ms. Best arrived in the United States from Barbados in 1972. With assistance from IRLC, she became a U.S. citizen and took the Oath of Allegiance on August 7, 2025.
Reflecting on her decision, she shared: “I decided to become a U.S. citizen after seeing what happened to friends whose children were taken from them. It was terrifying. My family and grandchildren are here, and I feared anything could happen to me; especially after living in the U.S. for 50 years. Becoming a citizen means security. I’ve spent most of my life here, and I’m raising my granddaughter. It’s important for us to live with peace and stability. I am so thankful for IRLC’s help in making this possible.

QANBAR ALI TABESH

Qanbar Ali Tabesh, a respected Afghan author and literature professor, fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover and was repeatedly targeted due to his work with U.S.-aligned groups. With help from American friends, he secured sponsorship through Wise Temple in Cincinnati, where the community embraced his family and partnered with the Immigrant & Refugee Law Center (IRLC) to guide them through the asylum process. Four of his five children were able to come with him.

With IRLC’s support, Tabesh obtained asylum and Legal Permanent Residency. He now drives for Uber while continuing his literary work and hopes to strengthen his English to share his poetry with both American and Afghani audiences. His children are also thriving, with two working and two in school.

SUPPORT OUR WORK
We can't do the work we do without your support. Access to free legal services is the only option for many within the immigrant and refugee community. Your contribution will go directly to help individuals here in Greater Cincinnati.