Asylum is a Human Right
Cross-Border Initiative
About:
The Cross-Border Initiative (CBI) delivers free immigration legal services, legal consultations, community legal education, and holistic social services to both detained and non-detained immigrants in the San Diego region and along the U.S.–Mexico border between San Diego and Tijuana. CBI’s experienced team supports vulnerable asylum seekers navigating constantly shifting border policies and humanitarian challenges.
In response to current federal and regional border policies, CBI has expanded its focus on removal defense in San Diego County. The team provides both limited-scope and full-scope legal representation for immigrants detained in San Diego ICE processing centers, including Otay Mesa Detention Center and Imperial Regional Detention Facility.
As federal enforcement measures continue to weaken the U.S. asylum system, ImmDef’s Cross-Border Initiative works tirelessly to defend immigrant rights through strategic advocacy with local government agencies, the Department of Homeland Security, and regional coalitions. CBI is a proud partner of the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium, the California Welcoming Task Force, and other organizations dedicated to advancing immigrant justice and protecting human rights.
Legal Representation and Legal Consultations
ImmDef implements a universal representation model for adults and families with removal cases based in San Diego’s immigration courts. We offer merits-blind representation, meaning our nonprofit immigration attorneys represent any eligible client regardless of case complexity or perceived likelihood of success.
Given rapidly changing immigration policy, this program has shifted priorities over time to respond to the ever-evolving needs of the immigrant and refugee community in San Diego and on the other side of the border. Historically this program has provided legal consultations and know your rights information to asylum seekers on the other side of the U.S. border.
Our services include:
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Legal consultations to asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border
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Immigration legal education in San Diego County
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Representation for people during Credible Fear and Reasonable Fear Interviews before USCIS
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Representation for detained immigrants including bond hearings, habeas corpus filings, and ICE parole requests
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Full-scope deportation defense for immigrants in San Diego County
Legal Education
Original: The United States immigration system is well-known for being difficult to access and understand. People seeking asylum from outside the United States are in dire situations, vulnerable to danger, and face indefinite waiting periods due to recent policies that have banned access to asylum at our borders. Our team’s strategy shifts depending on community needs and policy changes. Previously, this program conducted shelter and community center visits in Tijuana to empower asylum-seeking families and individuals with accurate legal information. Currently this team is focusing on regional know-your-rights presentations due to increased ICE arrested in the interior of the United States.
Comprehensive Advocacy
ImmDef provides comprehensive deportation defense services for asylum seekers, offering skilled legal representation in immigration court and before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Our attorneys work directly with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to safeguard the rights of asylum seekers and reduce the risk of family separation, detention, and due‑process violations.
Our team actively monitors conditions in immigration detention facilities, advocates for humane treatment, documents and reports rights violations, and files formal complaints when immigrant safety or dignity is threatened. Through strong partnerships with community organizations, we also help families connect with potential sponsors and access essential social and community support.
Rapid Response Legal Support for San Diego County
Immigration Legal Service Coalition of San Diego
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Hotline: (858) 751-7553
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Operating Hours: M-F 9AM - 6PM
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Immigrant Defenders Law Center Rapid Response Legal Resource Hotline (Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial counties)
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Hotline: (213) 833-8283
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Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 9AM-4PM PST
Si usted necesita ayuda, porfavor escríbanos un correo electrónico - Si vous avez besoin d'aide, veuillez nous envoyer un e-mail - Si w bezwen asistans legal, tanpri imèl nou nan.
ayuda@immdef.org; help@immdef.org