Welcome!

We would love to help you learn to speak, read, and write English. If you have trouble completing the application, please feel free to email us.

¡Bienvenido!

Estaremos encantados de ayudarte a hablar, leer y escribir en inglés. Si tienes problemas completando la aplicación, por favor escríbenos.

MANATEE LITERACY COUNCIL

Education leads to Independence – Learn more about Immigration Help in Manatee County

Feb 10, 2025 | News

 Immigratation Help in Manatee County: Resources and Support

Navigating the immigration process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Manatee County has several organizations dedicated to providing immigration assistance, from legal aid to citizenship preparation. While the Manatee Literacy Council (MLC) does not offer immigration services, we believe that knowledge is power—and we are committed to sharing educational resources that help our community members become more independent.

For over 40 years, the Manatee Literacy Council has been dedicated to empowering adults through literacy, helping them gain the skills they need to succeed in daily life. It’s important to note that we do not request, track, or store immigration status information for any of our learners. Instead, our mission is focused on providing education, particularly English language and literacy instruction, to help residents of Manatee County build confidence, communicate effectively, and navigate essential systems.

In alignment with our mission, we want to ensure that people in our community have access to reliable and trustworthy resources for immigration-related questions. Below are some local organizations and online resources that can provide legal assistance, advocacy, and other support.

Local Immigration Help Resources

If you or someone you know is seeking immigration assistance, the following organizations may be able to help:

1. Gulfcoast Legal Services

Gulfcoast Legal Services offers free or low-cost legal aid for immigration cases, including asylum, residency applications, and citizenship processes. Their team of attorneys and legal professionals work to protect the rights of immigrants and provide guidance through complex legal procedures.

2. Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC)

FLIC is a statewide organization that provides resources and advocacy for immigrants in Florida. They offer legal support, help with naturalization, and information on immigrant rights.

3. Turning Points

Turning Points provides essential services to those in need, including assistance with documentation, referrals to legal aid, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.

4. Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice

This organization offers immigration legal services, including assistance with visas, residency, and citizenship applications. They also provide refugee resettlement support and humanitarian aid.

5. Manatee County Public Library – Citizenship Corner

The Manatee County Public Library offers study materials for the U.S. citizenship test and information about the naturalization process. Many libraries also provide free citizenship classes or can connect residents to helpful community programs.

Online Immigration Information and Resources

For those who prefer to access information online, the following national websites provide valuable guidance, forms, and learning materials:

1. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The official website of USCIS provides immigration forms, information on the citizenship process, and legal rights for immigrants.

2. Immigration Law Help

A free resource to help immigrants find trusted legal services in their area.

3. USAHello

A nonprofit organization that provides free online courses and information for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

4. The National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

Provides updates on immigration law, policy changes, and advocacy efforts.

Red Cards Available at Our Office

Understanding your rights is crucial. The Manatee Literacy Council has Red Cards available in multiple languages at our office. These wallet-sized cards provide important information about your legal rights in case of an immigration-related encounter. Red Cards can help individuals remain calm, understand what they do and do not have to say, and ensure they follow best practices when interacting with law enforcement or immigration officers.

If you or someone you know would like a Red Card, please stop by our office to pick one up. Our offices are open Monday through Friday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

How Manatee Literacy Council Can Help

While we do not provide immigration legal assistance, we offer free English classes and one-on-one tutoring to help adults improve their communication and literacy skills. Learning English can be an essential step toward navigating daily life and preparing for the U.S. citizenship test.

Our programs are designed to support learners at all levels, whether they are working toward employment, further education, or simply gaining confidence in their language abilities.