Community Immigration Law Center
The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) provides legal information regarding immigration to individuals and groups who might otherwise not have access to the legal system. CILC does this through walk-in legal clinics, know-your-rights presentations, and other community education and outreach activities.
CILC grew out of a series of meetings with people from various legal, social, and faith-based organizations who shared a concern about the lack of affordable legal services for noncitizens in our community.
Walk-In Legal Clinic
Since July 24, 2009 the CILC has operated a free walk-in legal clinic. The CILC’s walk-in clinic is open twice a month, and gives individuals the chance to receive a free consultation with a volunteer immigration lawyer. The following services are available at the clinics:
- Brief, confidential consultations on immigration issues
- Case assessment by immigration lawyers
- Help with immigration forms
Referral & Information
CILC does not represent people in their immigration cases. During walk-in hours, immigration concerns are evaluated by an experienced immigration lawyer. Participants who need further assistance will be referred to a list of local immigration attorneys.
When & Where
Walk-in clinics are held on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 East Gorham Street, in Madison. No appointment needed. First come, first served.
The church is easily accessible by car, bus and bike. (See map and directions below.)
What to Bring
If you are coming to the clinic for assistance, please bring with you:
Copies of all documents relating to your immigration case.
Copies of all documents relating to any criminal cases you may have had.
Any other documents relating to your case that you think might be important or about which you have questions.
Language
Spanish-language interpreters will be available. If you require interpretation in another language, please contact us ahead of time and we will arrange for a qualified interpreter to be there.
Childcare
Childcare is not provided. Please do not bring children to your appointment unless absolutely necessary.
Cost
CILC’s services are free. However, as a non-profit organization donations are welcome and encouraged.
Outreach & Advocacy
CILC offers training and education on immigration law and immigrants’ rights to the community and welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with other advocacy groups.
Currently, the CILC provides:
- Know-your-rights presentations to non-citizens detained by Immigration and
- Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Wisconsin jails.
- Know-your-rights presentations to affected community groups.
- Training for volunteer lawyers, interpreters, and intake workers.
Please contact us if your group would like to schedule a presentation or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer with CILC.
MAP/BUS ROUTES
Bus Routes # 2, 5, 9, 27, 28
Google Map to CILC
Directions From US-12/18 (Beltline)
1. Exit onto John Nolen Dr
2. Continue on S Blair St/US-151
3. Turn right at US-151/E Washington Ave
4. Turn left on Brearly St
Directions From East
2. From East Town, go east on US-151 / E Washington Ave
3. Turn right at N 1st St
4. Turn left at E Johnson St
5. Continue on E Gorham St to Brearly St.
Contact Us at CILC
C/O Christ Presbyterian Church
944 East Gorham Street
Madison, WI 53703
Tel: (608) 257-4845
Fax: (608) 257-4490
Email: jeanrene@tds.net
No legal questions will be answered on the phone. Please reserve all legal questions for our walk-in hours.