| This page does not contain legal advice, and for any legal matters people should consult with an attorney. It is also possible that some issues may evolve, making it more important to consult with an attorney on information specific to your case. This information was last updated on November 21, 2025. |
Disclaimer: We strive to keep the information on this page accurate and up to date. However, programs and requirements can change, and we may not always be aware of those changes immediately. If you notice any outdated or incorrect information, or if you have suggestions for additional resources we should include, please reach out to your community's Resources and Opportunities (R&O) manager to make them aware of the changes needed. |
Support for Individuals without Status |
What Does It Mean to Be Undocumented in the United States?
Being undocumented in the United States typically refers to a person who is living in the country without legal immigration status. This can happen for a variety of reasons, and it does not always mean someone entered the country illegally.
Undocumented individuals may include:
- People who entered the U.S. without inspection (e.g., crossing the border without permission).
- People who entered legally with a visa (such as a tourist, student, or work visa) but overstayed after it expired.
- People who are currently in the process of applying for legal status (like asylum, a green card, or a visa) but have not yet been approved. While they may be pursuing legal pathways, they are still considered undocumented until their case is resolved.
Many undocumented individuals are actively involved in legal processes: Some have filed asylum claims, family petitions, or DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) renewals. These processes can take months or years, during which the individual may not have full legal status or rights.
Even if they are in these legal processes, they often cannot work legally unless they receive work authorization and remain vulnerable to deportation unless granted temporary protections.
Access to Public Benefits: In most cases, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal public benefits.
Are there organizations in Baltimore that may be able to support undocumented individuals?
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Esperanza Center (Catholic Charities) 430 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231 Phone: (667) 600-2900
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421 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: (410) 837-5533
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1214 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21213 Phone: (443) 478-3015
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Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (CAIR Coalition) 1 North Charles Street, Suite 2305 Baltimore, MD, 21201 |
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| Maryland Immigrant Rights Coalition (MIRC) |
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Baltimore City Public Schools Office of Family and Community Engagement 200 E. North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
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CASA of Baltimore 8 Market Place, Suite 300 Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Phone : 410-244-1465 Email: info@casabalt.org |
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| Maryland Food Bank |
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| Asylee Women Enterprise (AWE) |
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Common Legal Immigration Statuses in the United States |
Individuals with immigration statuses that qualify for services from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) — such as refugees, asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, victims of human trafficking, and certain humanitarian parolees — are eligible for a range of federally funded benefits and support programs. These services include access to housing assistance, healthcare, English classes, employment support, case management, and more, all designed to help them achieve self-sufficiency and integrate into U.S. society. In contrast, undocumented individuals—those without legal immigration status—are not eligible for ORR services, and their access to public benefits is extremely limited. This difference in eligibility creates a significant gap in support systems, making it harder for undocumented individuals to access stable housing, healthcare, and legal assistance compared to those served under ORR programs.
What is the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)?
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that helps individuals fleeing persecution, violence, or disaster abroad to rebuild their lives in the United States. ORR provides services such as housing assistance, employment help, English classes, healthcare access, and more — with a focus on helping individuals become economically self-sufficient and integrated into American communities.
Background: The Refugee Act of 1980 was a law that established procedures for admitting refugees to the United States and provided for their resettlement. The act was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on March 17, 1980. What did the Refugee Act of 1980 do? Defined a refugee and set an annual admission limit. Created a process for reviewing admissions and adjusting numbers during emergencies. It established the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to coordinate refugee assistance. Funded programs for job training, English language learning, and social services. Established procedures for applying for asylum and adjusting status to permanent residency.
While refugees and asylees have historically had access to many public benefits and services, new laws are being enacted to dismantle access to programs and benefits. Information provided below may change rapidly. This information was last updated on August 8, 2025.
Refugees vs. Asylees
Who is a Refugee? |
Refugees flee due to well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of:
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| As defined by the UN, a refugee is a person who: "Owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country...” 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees | |
Who is An Asylee? |
As defined by USCIS, an asylee is a person: “…presents in the United States or at a port of entry who is found to be unable or unwilling to return to his or her country of nationality, or to seek the protection of that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. Persecution or the fear thereof must be based on the alien’s race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. For persons with no nationality, the country of nationality is considered to be the country in which the alien last habitually resided.” |
What's the Difference?
Asylees make it to U.S. and prove their case independently. Asylum seekers cannot access public benefits until they are approved for asylum Refugees begin their process overseas (takes years) and are approved for status prior to their arrival in the US. Refugees must be residing in a 2nd country, outside their country of origin while waiting for processing.
What is Humanitarian Parole?
Humanitarian parole is an entry granted to certain non-citizens due to a compelling emergency or urgent humanitarian reasons who would otherwise be ineligible for admission to the U.S. allows a person to temporarily live in the U.S. without fear of deportation. does not give a person an immigration status. will either need to reapply for another term of parole before their current term expires, select a different legal status for which to apply, or leave the U.S. Eligibility for Benefits is subject to Congressional approval and may be time limited.
Common populations who have previously applied for humanitarian parole include:
- Afghan Humanitarian Parolees
- Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees
- Parolees from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela
The Trump administration has effectively ended humanitarian parole for immigrant populations. Click here for an Explainer on Termination of Humanitarian Parole published by Refugees International.
Benefits |
| This information is currently changing under the new presidential administration, but is an overview of how services have traditionally applied to immigrant populations in the United States. |
| Immigration Status | Eligibility for Benefits |
Refugees |
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Asylees |
Asylees can access benefits above once their asylum status is approved (can take years) |
Asylum Seekers (people actively applying for asylum in the US with an open case)/ Undocumented Individuals |
Asylum seekers cannot access any benefits until they are approved for asylum. Undocumented Individuals are not eligible for public benefits |
Humanitarian Parolees |
Humanitarian parole requires Congressional approval for benefits eligibility. |
Resources
The Trump Administration’s Travel Ban and Restrictions for Nationals of Certain Countries - USCCB - This new resource from the USCCB Department of Migration and Refugee Services provides a detailed overview of the expanded travel ban.
Overview of Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs - NILC This guide provides an overview of immigrant eligibility for major federal public assistance programs, including SNAP and Medicare, since the passing of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in July 2025.
National Immigration Legal Services Directory - Immigration Advocates Network - This directory allows you to search for immigration legal services providers by state, county, or detention facility. Only nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration legal services are included in this directory.
What are resettlement agencies?
Resettlement Agencies assist refugees in settling in the U.S. by providing housing, employment help, cultural orientation, and financial aid. Services include meeting refugees at the airport, providing necessities, assessing job readiness, and offering cash assistance for the first 90 days. Agencies collaborate with the State Department and may partner with sponsoring organizations like churches or civic groups.
The current administration has placed a halt on resettling new refugees in the United States. However, there may be services available at the local resettlement agencies to individuals who have been resettled within the past 5 years. Resettlement agencies in Baltimore City include:
- International Rescue Committee (IRC) - 2601 N. Howard Street, Suite 225, Baltimore, MD21218, Phone: (410) 327-1885
- Global Refuge Welcome Center - 947 Fell St, Baltimore, MD 21231, Phone: (443) 365-0472
Each state has a designated State Refugee Coordinator and State Refugee Health Coordinator. Those contacts can be found here and can help you navigate services for individuals with status in your area.
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