Passes our checks

Community Immigration Law Center

EIN 32-0375185 · Madison, WI

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

What it says it does

Provide pro bono representation of non-US citizens facing removal proceedings and other immigration related legal services.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $250k to $1m).

Reserves
28 of 35
Spendable reserves would cover 6.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20
It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15
Income exceeded spending by 27% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15
Income rose 174% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15
72% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Fair: 67 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $250k to $1m).

Independent board
25 of 25
13 of 13 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15
Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8
Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7
Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5
Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10
Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15
Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10
Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)

$243,957 spent. Provided pro bono representation of non-US citizens facing removal proceedings, currently handling 140 pending cases including 16 new cases in 2024. Assisted 119 individuals and families in submitting their asylum applications pro se. Submitted 124 work work permit applications.
$7,500 spent. Conducted twice-monthly clinics to provide free consultations on immigration issues to 124 individuals and families from 45 countries. Made referrals to local, vetted pro bono and low-bono attorneys as needed.
$1,500 spent. Provided speakers (CILC staff and board members) for education and outreach to churches, schools, and organizations interested in immigration issues. Participated in 18 presentations and outreach events in 2024.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2012 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on January 15, 2016.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 2016.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.