Restoration Immigration Legal Aid (RILA)

Restoration Immigration Legal Aid (RILA) provides excellent, pro bono immigration legal assistance to the most vulnerable immigrants in the DC area, focusing on asylum-seekers and immigrant children. Most of our clients, having undergone unspeakable suffering, fled from their home countries to find protection and safety. Without representation from RILA, our clients would likely navigate the immigration system on their own–a nearly impossible task for non-English speakers with few to no resources. We believe individuals and communities are transformed by our work as our clients receive justice and protection and as community members join with us in our mission.

RILA’s guiding principles are: (1) to provide a safe and welcoming space for the most vulnerable immigrants in the DC area, to be welcomed, heard, equipped, and ultimately given protection and security in the United States; (2) to provide the opportunity for community members to serve, using their financial gifts, talents, and time, to come alongside our immigrant neighbors most in need; and (3) to cultivate cross-cultural understanding in our community, raising awareness of the challenges, beauty, and courage that are found in the immigrant story.

Who We Are

RILA holistically supports immigrants in our community by providing excellent, pro bono immigration legal assistance to those who are most vulnerable and who have the fewest resources.