Catholic Migration Services

Catholic Migration Services (CMS) is a non-profit legal services organization that was established in 1971 by the Most Reverend Francis J. Mugavero to serve the needs of immigrants and refugees in Queens and Brooklyn. Originally operating in a small storefront office as the immigration services arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, today the organization is a fully independent 501(c)(3) corporation offering a wide range of legal services related to immigration, housing and employment. Since its founding, CMS has served tens of thousands of immigrants—regardless of religion, race or legal status—from at least 167 countries who speak more than 80 languages.

CMS carries out its mission by welcoming the stranger in our midst and upholding our commitment to empowering underserved immigrant communities. We provide comprehensive pastoral, educational, advocacy and legal services to advance equality and social justice in a changing and diverse population.