Partner With Immigrant Connection PDX
Vision
Building bridges for a hope-filled future.
Mission
Providing low-cost immigration legal services to the under-resourced communities of the Portland metro area and beyond.
Our Values
Listening with compassion
Because the stories of immigrants are often filled with deep challenges and trauma, we listen with care, empathy, and understanding. We recognize the human side of every case, offering a safe space for each person’s story.
Advising with expertise
Because immigration laws are constantly evolving, we continuously learn and adapt to provide our clients with the most accurate, up-to-date pathways. Our expertise is a bridge to clarity and confidence in the journey ahead.
Speaking the truth
Because the immigration journey is complex and every step matters, we are committed to building trust by being honest and transparent with our clients. Accurate immigration filings are the foundation of safe and successful futures.
Empowering through knowledge
Because navigating the immigration process can be overwhelming, we empower our clients with the knowledge and resources they need to take an active role in their journey, making informed decisions along the way.
Walking with you
Because the immigration process can be long and uncertain, we stand beside our clients throughout the journey, staying engaged, informed, and ready to support them every step of the way.
Celebrating the milestones
Because the ultimate goal of immigration is stability, opportunity, and family reunification, we celebrate each step forward. Every milestone, big or small, brings us closer to the goal of building lasting futures.
A case for why low-cost immigration legal services are essential in East County
East County’s Growing Immigrant Population
East County is home to a large and diverse immigrant community, particularly from Latin America, Southeast Asia, East Africa, and Eastern Europe. Many face barriers such as language difficulties, cultural differences, and economic hardship, making access to legal immigration services crucial.
Portland’s foreign-born population exceeds 13%, with East Portland having an even higher concentration. An estimated 50,000 undocumented immigrants reside in the metro area, facing challenges in securing employment, healthcare, and education without legal status.
Barriers in the Immigration System
The U.S. immigration system is complex, costly, and difficult to navigate, especially for low-income immigrants. Legal services are scarce in East Portland, with most immigration law firms concentrated on the Westside and beyond the financial reach of many residents.
Nonprofit and volunteer legal services exist but are overwhelmed, leading to long wait times and insufficient resources to meet demand. Without legal assistance, immigrants remain vulnerable to exploitation in low-wage jobs, lack healthcare access, and have limited educational and economic opportunities.
Critical Need for Immigration Legal Services
Gaining lawful immigration status significantly improves economic stability, access to healthcare, and educational opportunities while reducing stress and anxiety. Studies show that legal status enables stable employment, better healthcare access, and improved academic performance for immigrants’ children.
East Portland, particularly Rockwood, has a dense immigrant population where over 88 languages are spoken, yet affordable and culturally competent legal services remain limited. Across Oregon, nearly half a million foreign-born individuals reside, but only 23 DOJ-recognized immigration offices exist to serve the entire state.
The Role of Immigrant Connection PDX
Immigrant Connection PDX provides affordable, culturally competent immigration legal services in East Portland, filling a crucial gap in the community. Our nonprofit offers guidance through the complex legal system, collaborates with local churches and schools, and supports mental and emotional well-being.
Because of the generosity of church communities and individual donors, we keep costs low while delivering high-quality legal services. Without accessible legal support, immigrants face deportation risks, family separation, and barriers to housing and job stability. As the demand for services outpaces supply, our work remains more essential than ever.
“Arriving in the U.S. is only the beginning of a long and often difficult journey for immigrants and refugees who face the daunting task of navigating the “maze with moving walls” that is the immigration system.”
Client
Testimonials
For anonymity and security purposes, we have used alias names and changed the identifying details of their stories.“
I came to Immigrant Connection PDX at one of the most stressful points in my life. My family had been living in the U.S. without legal status for years, and I was terrified about the future. The team at Immigrant Connection PDX not only helped us understand our options but walked us through every step of the process, from paperwork to filing for the proper visas.
Fortunately, our situation had a lawful pathway forward. Thanks to their guidance, I finally received my work permit, and my family and I now feel a sense of security we never had before. They treated us like family, and I’m so grateful for the stability they’ve helped bring into our lives.
Sofia from Mexico
“
After years of struggling to get legal status and facing constant uncertainty, finding Immigrant Connection PDX was a game-changer. Their team worked tirelessly to help me with my immigration case and connected me with legal resources I didn’t even know existed. The personalized support they provided made all the difference, and they were with me every step of the way, from preparing documents to answering my questions.
Now that I have my green card, I feel like I finally have a future here. Immigrant Connection PDX gave me hope when I thought all was lost.
Carlos from Honduras
“
As a single mother, being separated from my children for years was one of the hardest things I’ve ever endured. I knew I wanted to bring them to the U.S. so we could be together again, but the immigration process seemed so complicated, and I didn’t know where to begin. That’s when I turned to Immigrant Connection PDX. They helped me petition for my children to join me here, guiding me through every step with patience and care.
Thanks to their expertise, I was able to petition for my children to come to the States. Though the government processing times take very very long, immigrant Connection PDX continues to walk with me providing support and waiting well with me.”
Amina from Somalia
Since receiving recognition and accreditation from the Department of Justice in 2020, our office has provided immigration legal services for over 1,200+ foreign-born individuals from over 60 countries resulting in nearly 500 immigration cases being submitted to the government with a 99.8% immigration benefit approval rating.
Clients Served
Income
Expenses
Average Cost
4–10x less
than traditional attorneys. What would cost our clients $4,000 from a fully barred lawyer we can do for $400.
Partner
Organizations
A heartfelt thank you to each of the organizations below for their support. Together we are able to accomplish so much.Columbia View Church
Host Church of Immigrant Connection PDX
“Immigrant Connection PDX was very good to me because they explained to me what I needed to submit to USCIS with no delay. They are there anytime I need them for any questions about my application. They also support clients with scholarships, which I benefitted from. It’s very helpful for me to work with them.”
—Columbia View Member & ICPDX Client
Immigrant Connection
"Immigrant Connection PDX has been a trailblazer for our organization’s vision and values in the Northwest, setting the standard for loving welcome and innovative excellence throughout Portland. They stand as a beacon of welcome, actively serving and empowering immigrant families and leading the way in fostering a vibrant, supportive community where everyone can thrive. Over the first four years, we have seen remarkable growth in service and impact.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the continued influence of ICPDX as it reaches and uplifts thousands more families in the years to come."
—Pastor Zach Szmara, Immigrant Connection Founder & Executive Director
Grace Community Church — Comunidad de Gracia
Over $25,000 in scholarships for qualifying clients
"We felt God nudging us to help those in our community who were getting assistance with citizenship. ICPDX has allowed us to follow the biblical mandate to love the sojourner in our midst."
—Gerry Smith, GCC Pastor
Gresham Bible Church
"We love ICPDX and the way they tangibly help our neighbors with kindness and dignity."
River West Church
Provided capacity building grant and client referrals
"Our church community is not only proud to support the work the ICPDX is doing but we're also overjoyed to get a front-row seat to the impact these legal resources are making for so many immigrants and refugees in our community!"
—Chris Coffman, River West Pastor
Chown Real Estate
Supplied a raffle basket
"Chown Real Estate is honored to support the exceptional leadership and mission of ICPDX, which provides practicaland life changing support to many of the newest members of our community."
Love INC East Multnomah County
"Immigrant Connection PDX is exactly the type of organization I look forward to working with in service to the community. Together in service to the diverse, intangible needs of the people, we can empower our neighbors to develop the community we are all proud to call home."
—Latoya Price-Seawood, Founding Board Member
Parklane Christian Reformed Church
"I am so thankful for the work and ministryof Immigrant Connection PDX in our community. This is a deeply needed work in our neighborhood that serves our brothers and sisters who are in difficult situations. Please join me in praying for and supporting this ministry."
—Pastor Pete Armstrong
Rockwood CDC
Client referrals
"What is so impressive to me about ICPDX is that they meet the urgent needs of vulnerable people in a way that is practical and humble."
—President of the Rockwood Community Development Corporation
Immigration Law Resource Center
Immigration law training and support
Faithful Friends PDX
Client referrals
"Our city is blessed to be hosts to so many who have chosen to live, work and make a life in our great city. As a church-based, community-focused non profit ourselves, we get it. We are so grateful to the important work ICPDX does to help our friends from around the globe become like family across the street."
—Tim Cowley, Director of Operations
2023 Annual Report
View our Annual Report