Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services, Inc. (DMRS)

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COVID-19 Changes: As an organization, we have implemented changes in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The well-being and safety of our staff and those we serve is our top priority. We are closely monitoring updates and following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and federal, state, and local health officials.

We have adjusted operations to ensure we limit in-person contact with individuals, including amongst our team. We continue doing our best to work on cases through means that do not require in-person contact. This includes relying on telephone communication and mail service. At this time, our office is not receiving any individuals in our office beyond our team.

Office Hours

Monday- Thursday: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Friday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm

Closed all day on the last friday of every Month.

Intake Guidelines

If you are visiting our offices for the first time, please check our Consultation page for detailed information regarding walk-in hours and appointments.

Consultations for the following services are available on a first come, first served basis, Monday through Thursday. Please arrive before 9:30am and bring the following:

General Legal Services:
- For Residency Consultations: Bring all original marriage, divorce, birth and death certificates.
- For Naturalization Consultations: Bring Residency Card, Social Security Card, & State-Issued ID card.
Removal (Deportation) Defense: Bring all original marriage, divorce, birth and death certificates, Notice to Appear, Notice of Hearing, A#, and any other related documents.

Please arrive early as spaces tend to fill quickly.

Services through the following programs are provided by appointment only and can be made by calling the following extensions:

Crime Victims: Extension 215
Refugee Resettlement: Extension 229
Religious Workers: Extension 248
Unaccompanied Minors: Extension 240

Consultation Cost: $50
Consultation (Removal Defense): $75 per case

Services Provided

Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc. (DMRS) is the largest provider of free and low cost immigration legal services in West Texas and New Mexico. We provide a comprehensive range of immigration legal services including representation in family-based immigration matters, Citizenship/Naturalization matters, matters related to benefits for survivors of domestic violence and other crimes, removal proceedings before the Immigration Courts, refugee resettlement services, and services for adults and unaccompanied immigrant children detained in the local immigration detention centers and shelters. DMRS has been serving the immigrant community since 1986.

In addition to legal representation by attorneys, DMRS also offers legal representation by Accredited Representatives. As a recognized Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) organization, DMRS can apply for “accreditation” of non-attorneys. Accredited Representatives may provide legal advice and representation in matters before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the BIA and/or the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Eligibility Guidelines

The following documents are REQUIRED in order to assess your eligibility for Free Legal Services. Please bring these documents with you when you come in for your first visit:

Proof of Household Income (Bring one of the following):
- Public Benefits (Food Stamps, TANF, etc.) Award Letter, OR
- Employment Verification Letter dated within the last 30 days. The letter MUST state your current rate of pay, frequency of pay, average hours worked, and date of hire, OR
- SSI, Retirement, Disability, Worker’s Compensation, Unemployment, etc. Award Letter
Proof of Texas Residence (Bring one of the following):
- Lease or Rental Agreement/Mortgage Statement/Property Tax Statement, OR
- Two (2) current utility bills/household bills