Free initial screenings · Hablamos español
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Diverse hands holding American flags together
Trusted across East Texas since day one

Serving Families With Care and Compassion

Welcome to East Texas Legal Aid. As a nonprofit organization, we're honored to help individuals and families build brighter futures through immigration services, including green cards, citizenship, and family petitions. Our team is committed to making every person feel heard, valued, and supported.

Free initial screenings · Sliding-scale fees available · Hablamos español
How We Help

Immigration services for every stage of your journey

From a first work visa to the day you raise your right hand, we handle the legal groundwork so you can focus on your family.

A multi-generational family gathered together outside their home

Family-Based Immigration Petitions

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Family-Based Immigration Petitions

We assist U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents with petitions to help eligible family members obtain immigration benefits. Our services may include preparing and filing family-based petitions and helping clients understand the steps and documentation required throughout the process.

New U.S. citizens taking the oath at a naturalization ceremony

Naturalization & Citizenship

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Naturalization & Citizenship

We provide assistance to individuals seeking U.S. citizenship through naturalization or other citizenship-related processes. We help clients understand eligibility requirements, prepare their applications, and navigate the process from filing through the interview and decision.

Close-up of a U.S. visa stamp in a passport

Immigrant & Nonimmigrant Visas

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Immigrant & Nonimmigrant Visas

We assist individuals and families with immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processes for those seeking to enter or remain in the United States for qualifying purposes. We help clients understand the appropriate visa process, required documentation, and steps involved in applying through USCIS or a U.S. consulate.

A USCIS field office building entrance

Other USCIS & Consular Processing

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Other USCIS & Consular Processing

We provide assistance with other immigration matters handled by USCIS and U.S. consulates, depending on the client’s circumstances and eligibility. Our goal is to help individuals understand their options, prepare the necessary documentation, and navigate the immigration process with confidence and clarity.

Our Purpose

Why We Serve

Our Commitment

One community, no matter how many languages we speak

East Texas Legal Aid was built on a simple idea: immigration status shouldn't decide whether a family gets to stay together. We work with clients from every background, every country of origin, and every stage of the process.

Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or you're preparing for your citizenship interview, our team meets you where you are — and stays with you until the process is done.

Diverse hands joined together in a circle
Hands of different generations and backgrounds joined together over an American flag
Our Mission

Helping you understand your options

Our mission is to help immigrants understand their rights, navigate the legal process with confidence, and pursue lawful pathways that create greater stability and opportunity for themselves and their families.

We are committed to providing honest guidance, quality legal representation, and compassionate service every step of the way.

East Texas Legal Aid logo, black and white
East Texas · Legal Aid · Est. Community Practice
Who We Are

About East Texas Legal Aid

East Texas Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization created to provide trusted, affordable immigration legal services to individuals and families throughout East Texas. We understand that navigating the U.S. immigration system can be overwhelming, and that many people face these challenges without knowing where to turn for reliable legal guidance.

At East Texas Legal Aid, we believe that access to trusted legal representation should not depend on a person's income, language, or country of origin. Every case represents someone's future, and we are honored to stand alongside our clients as they work toward safety, security, and the opportunity to build a better life in the United States.

  • CEOHugo Fernandez
  • TreasurerJosefina Vazquez
  • SecretaryHugo Fernandez Jr.
  • AttorneyWesley Schmidt
New U.S. citizens celebrating at a naturalization ceremony
Get In Touch

Let's talk about your case

Reach out for a consultation, or stop by the office. We respond to every inquiry within one business day.

East Texas Legal Aid

Phone

903.539.7965
9am–5pm — hours may vary, call to schedule

Request a consultation

Tell us a bit about your situation and preferred language, and our team will follow up to schedule a time.

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by East Texas Legal Aid regarding your inquiry.