Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Compass Immigration Legal Services (CILS) began in 2019 as a response to our community’s need for accessible and affordable immigration legal services. CILS is staffed by experienced immigration attorneys and U.S. Department of Justice Accredited Representatives who have worked in the field of immigration law for over fifteen years.

CILS is not a traditional immigration law office or firm.  As a non-profit organization, our mission is to provide accessible legal services to individuals, families, and businesses who cannot otherwise afford the cost of a private attorney or law firm. All clients are charged “flat” fees for services at a rate that is affordable to them, given a detailed analysis of their income level and unique financial situation. For those clients who cannot afford to pay any fees, CILS maintains a pro-bono “Charity Care” list.

Sensitive to the fact that many of our clients have experienced some form of trauma, we offer legal services designed to consider the effects of that trauma as they relate to immigration law advising. Although CILS primarily provides family based and humanitarian immigration services to those most in need, we are a resource for businesses and professionals in the community as well. 

CILS is proud to work with other local non-profit organizations, places of worship, community centers, health care providers, and others to provide “Know Your Rights” and family safety presentations. We also offer workshops for clergy, health care providers, and others interested in learning how to help meet the needs of immigrants to our region through programs on the latest developments in immigration law and cultural competency 

CILS is able to service clients across the State of Pennsylvania, and have plans to open offices in York and Chambersburg Pennsylvania soon. 

On October 30th, members of Congress introduced the "New Deal for New Americans Act of 2019" - a bill put togehther by members of the National Partnership for New Americans. This bill pushes back against the anti-immigrnat policies of this administration, and presents a proactive, solutions-focused immigrant and refugee integration proposal that will help build a more welcoming and inclusive society, eliminate roadblocks to citizenship for many, protect due process, and grow our shared prosperity.

While this bill does not adress the underlying flaws of our immigration system, it will address some of the most pressing issues facing immigrant and refugee communities, including:

- Tears down the “Second Wall” of obstacles to U.S. citizenship and voting rights that favor the privileged and wealthy. Application fees are frozen, processing backlogs reduced, and USCIS is held accountable for mismanagement. Naturalization is made accessible and affordable for all, including the working poor and elderly, with a $50 application fee and more generous fee waivers for all applications. Automatic voter registration is made available on a voluntary basis after the oath ceremony to newly naturalized citizens.
- Mandates a National Office on New Americans to lead a federal immigrant and refugee inclusion and integration strategy coordinated with state and local governments and community stakeholders.
- Launches federally funded programs for English language learning and workforce development to build the skills of immigrants and refugees and prepare our diverse workforce for better jobs that support families and help grow our economy.
- Immigrants and refugees seeking freedom and refuge would have a fair opportunity to defend their legal right to stay here by accessing comprehensive legal services, from attorneys and accredited representatives to “Community Navigators” (community leaders who support individuals through the immigration system) and “know-your-rights” education.
- Updates and fortifies our resettlement programs so that refugees and their families may live in dignity, and streamlines their path to citizenship. The refugee admissions ceiling is raised to 110,000.

Take Action!
- Your organization can show its support by endorsing the Act.
- Call your member of Congress and ask them to sign on as a sponsor. See the current list of sponsors.
- Ask your Mayor or County Executive to endorse the Act.

(Photo: ACLU)

Last week, the administration announced it was considering expanding the Muslim Ban by adding additional countries to the travel ban list. Nearly three years later, far too many families remain separated from loved ones because of the Muslim Ban - expanding the ban would only build on this harmful and ineffective policy. Sign this petition hosted by MPower Chage to urge your representative to oppose any expansion and to pass the #NoBanAct today!

We want to celebrate two exciting events from the past week!

-- The Pennsylvania Domestic Workers Alliance passed a historic Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in Philadlephia! After the law goes into effect in May 2020, Philly domestic workers will have rights, protections, and benefits for the very first time, including paid time off; written agreements with employers; protection from discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation; rest and meal breaks; privacy and anti-trafficking protections; and a Domestic Worker Task Force in City Hall to ensure an on-going voice for workers.

-- Pennsylvania welcomed the #HomeIsHere march with open arms, hosting events in Philadelphia, Media, and Kennett Square. Follow NAKASEC and Make the Road NY on social media to follow the march to DC! Join the marchers in DC on Nov. 12th for oral arguments at the Supreme Court.

Please Donate to PICC!

PICC depends upon your support. Please donate to PICC today to support our advocacy and organizing work to mobilize the immigrant vote, build immigrant leaders, campaign for pro-immigrant policies at the local, state and federal levels, and support the effective implementation of pro-immigrant public policies.