Across the UK, anti-migrant policies fuelled by the far right are pushing many refugees, asylum seekers and migrants into crisis.

Families risk losing their homes, their children’s education and their livelihoods because they cannot afford the ever-rising Home Office fees. Others are left destitute, struggling to survive, while hostile rhetoric continues to fuel far-right attacks.

When people try to find help with these crises, they are met with closed doors. Legal aid has collapsed, leaving “legal aid deserts” across the country. More than half of the people seeking asylum cannot find a lawyer. Without advice, people risk losing their legal status, their rights, their homes, their jobs, access to healthcare, and their future.

That’s why JCWI runs a free helpline for people in this situation - the Irregular Migrants Legal Helpline. It is the only service of its kind, giving free, confidential legal advice to people with no leave to remain, and those at risk of losing the status they have.

This year, the funder that had supported the helpline for years told us they no longer had the money to continue, despite recognising it is a unique and vital service.

We have kept the helpline running without funding for several months, because we know it changes lives. Often we are the first compassionate voice someone has heard after years -  even decades - in the immigration system.

But we cannot continue this for much longer. We have been forced to reduce the service, and without urgent support the helpline will close. Thousands of people will be abandoned, and struggle, without that life-changing advice and support.

This is how your support can help :

£21 could provide a follow-up call for someone in urgent need.                           

£52 could fund one hour of life-changing legal advice.

£100 could help us keep the helpline open for a whole day.

 Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.

Every week, our lawyers and caseworkers hear from people in desperate need:

Parents who cannot afford Home Office fees and risk losing the status that allows their children to stay in school and their family to keep their home. Our advice on a fee waiver can protect them from losing everything.

People who have lived undocumented for years because they did not know their rights, who we guide back to secure status so they can have a place to live, find work and rebuild their lives.

Families facing eviction and homelessness, who we support to stay safe and fight unfair treatment.

 
The helpline is not only a source of advice. It shines a light on injustice. When repeated reports of asylum seekers being made homeless came through the line, we exposed the crisis. Media coverage forced the government to back down, protecting people from sleeping on the streets.

Your donation makes this possible.

 
The Irregular Migrants Legal helpline is a lifeline for people shut out from support and justice. Without funding, it faces closure.

Please donate what you can today. If you cannot give right now, please share this fundraiser with your friends, family and networks. Every share helps us reach more people who care.

Together, we can ensure migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are not left without hope, but have the advice and support they need to build safe and settled lives.

Take action today.