History of Service

For more than 25 years, the Archdiocese of Detroit has demonstrated an abiding commitment to the immigrants and refugees of the metropolitan area by providing immigration legal services, as well as resettlement and acculturation assistance to those in need. It is estimated the archdiocese has touched tens of thousands of individuals and families who are seeking the American dream.

Community Immigration Legal Services (CILS) has operated as a non-profit component of the Archdiocese of Detroit to assist low-income immigrants who cannot afford or otherwise access such services.

In addition each year CILS closely with the Michigan chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and coordinates the efforts of area immigration attorneys who join with CILS to provide pro bono legal assistance to the needy of the community. Additionally, CILS works with area agencies and non-profit organizations to improve the delivery of services to immigrants throughout metropolitan Detroit and the State of Michigan.

CILS offers legal consultation and representation before the Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration Court and Board of Immigration Appeals. Services are available in multiple languages to needy immigrants regardless of their religion, nationality or ability to pay.