Immigration Resources & Links
Immigration Rights and Protections
The U.S. Supreme Court established in the 1982 case Plyer v. Doe that children cannot be denied a free public education based on their immigration status or their family’s immigration status. This protects the right to education for all students.
On January 21, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it would end a longstanding federal policy that placed restrictions on the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as it relates to schools. Under the longstanding policy, schools were considered “sensitive locations,” where ICE agents were restricted from carrying out enforcement actions, with some exceptions. While the Department of Homeland Security has not yet released text of the new policy, the announcement states that ICE agents should use "common sense" when carrying out enforcement actions.
Regardless of this policy change, CPS will continue to actively protect students, staff, and their families. In accordance with the Illinois Trust Act and Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance, CPS:
- DOES NOT ask for our families' immigration status
- WILL NOT coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- DOES NOT share student records with ICE, except in the rare case where there is a court order or consent from the parent/guardian
- WILL NOT allow ICE agents access to CPS facilities unless they produce a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge
- WILL NOT admit ICE agents into our schools based upon an administrative warrant, an ICE detainer, or other document issued by an agency enforcing civil immigration law
CPS has provided detailed guidance to school leaders and the appropriate school-based staff regarding interactions with ICE, and is actively providing training to support this guidance.
Hotline Call Options:
- Immigrant Family Support Program (ICIRR's financial support program)
- Report ICE activity/Support to locate someone in ICE custody
- Connect with an immigration attorney
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Healthcare resources for immigrants and refugees
- Public charge updates
- Workplace rights, issues, or safety for immigrants
New Resources from City of Chicago:
The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMMR) issued a Know Your Rights Resource Guide, which includes critical information about:
- Legal services and hotlines
- Key protections like the Welcoming City Ordinance
- Emergency family planning resources
- Healthcare options for all, including undocumented individuals
- How to recognize and report hate crimes and hate incidents
The guide is currently available in English, Spanish, and French.
Trainings/Workshops
CPS’ Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) is working with Community-based organizations to hold “Know Your Rights” trainings and workshops through our Parent University program and at individual schools, prioritizing school communities with large numbers of immigrant and newcomer families.
Here is a list of current opportunities:
- Saturday, Jan. 25, 2 p.m.: The Chicago Public Library, in partnership with Northwest Center, will be hosting a Know Your Rights Workshop at the North Pulaski Branch located at 4300 W North Ave. This session will be in Spanish. Please RSVP here.
- Tuesday, Jan. 28, 1 p.m.: The Chicago Public Library, in partnership with Northwest Center, will be hosting a Know Your Rights Workshop at the North Pulaski Branch located at 4300 W North Ave. This session will be in Spanish. Please RSVP here.
- Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m.: The Grace & Peace Church will be hosting an Immigration Know Your Rights Workshop at their site located at 1856 N Leclaire. This session will be in Spanish. Please RSVP here.
- Thursday, Jan. 30, 5:30 p.m.: The Indo-American Center’s Ek Saath will be hosting a Community Inauguration Debrief at the center located at 6328 N California Ave. Please RSVP here.
- Thursday, Jan. 30, 6 p.m.: The Chicago Public Library, in partnership with Northwest Center, will be hosting a Know Your Rights Workshop at the North Pulaski Branch located at 4300 W North Ave. This session will be in Spanish. Please RSVP here.
CPS will continue to work with their partners to schedule trainings and workshops; please check https://www.cps.edu/services-and-supports/new-presidential-administration-guidance/ regularly for the most current opportunities.
Legal Resources
The Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) has created this list of dozens of local non-profit agencies providing free or low-cost assistance with immigration matters and forms, including:
- Family Visa Petitions (I-130)
- VAWA - Battered Spouse Self-petitions (I-360)
- Adjustment of Status/Residence/Consular Processing (I-485, OF-230)
- Waivers of Inadmissibility (I-212, I-601)
- Conditional Residence (I-751)
- Green Card Replacement (I-90)
- Naturalization (N-400)
- Acquired/Derivative Citizenship (N-600)
- DACA (I-821D)
- Asylum (I-589)
- Deportation Defense
Please visit the ICIRR website here for additional information.