Navigating Immigration Resources

With the possible upcoming changes in immigration policies at the federal level, we recognize the increasing concern among many of the families we serve who have immigrated here from other countries. These changes can bring uncertainty and fear, and we want to acknowledge the very real impact this may have on our students, families and our community.

We believe that EVERY student and their family deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported. We are compassionately and empathetically committed to ensuring that ALL of our families are equipped with the resources and information they need to navigate any challenges that may arise.

*Please note that every image is a clickable link.

Thank you for all that you do.

If you need additional support or resources, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Maria-Elena Agrela

Community Resource Coordinator

• It is advised that people keep their KYR cards in their wallet.
  
• It is also advised that the Larger KYR signage should NOT be placed facing outward in anyones home. its best kept on the inside of the door, on the wall next to the door, or on the refrigerator.
  

1. Identify who will be responsible for your children and/or assets, and have a meeting to discuss your decisions

2. Update your child’s emergency contact information at school and with their doctor

3. Apply for dual nationality and a U.S. passport for your U.S. citizen child and verify your options with your consulate.

4. Gather all important documents and store them in a safe place. Make sure your emergency contact has access to them.

5. Save money and ensure your bank account is linked to a debit card that can be used for withdrawals in another country. Make sure your bank accounts are accessible online

   
   

   Remember!

This is all from the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Organization

The Resurrection Project

• Community Resources, workshop information, campaigns
• https://www.trpimmigrantjustice.org/

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)

• Family Support Network and Hotline 1-855-435-7693
• ICRR Website

Organized Communities Against Deportations (OCAD)

• Report Violations of police or immigration abuse 1-855-435-7693
• OCAD Website

Illinois Legal Aid Online

• Legal Information and Resources
• https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/

Legal Aid Chicago

• 120 S. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60603
• 312-341-1070

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services

• 33 N. Dearborn St. Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60602
• (312) 332-1624
  
• Website

Cook County Public Defender

• 312-603-0636
• email- pdimmigrationunit@cookcountyil.gov

Consulate of Mexico

• 855-463-6393

The office of the Attorney General of Illinois

• English- 800-386-5438
• Spanish- 800-310-8392

If a person is detained, and you are looking for them: WWW.LOCATOR.ICE.GOV

• You will need their A# (Alien Registration Number and County of Birth
• Or Full name, county of birth and date of birth

Immigration Court Information Number

• 800-898-7180
• https://www.justice.gov/eoir/find-immigration-court-and-access-internet-based-hearings
  

Bond

• https://www.mibfc.org/gethelp
  

Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission

• Find out of who is a licensed attorney. For Illinois only.
• https://www.iardc.org/
  

Chicago's Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR)

• KYR & Resource Guide
• Conozca Sus Derechos y Recursos

National Immigrant Justice Center

• Chicago number- 312-660-1370
• If someone is detained by ICE, the hotline is only available: Tuesdays 11am-2pm ( for IL, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky only)
  

"ConsulApp Contigo" is a mobile application launched by the Mexican government designed to assist Mexican nationals living in the United States, particularly in situations where they might face detention or need emergency support; it allows users to quickly alert their emergency contacts and the nearest Mexican consulate with a single button press if they are detained, providing access to legal resources and consular assistance.

Key points about ConsulApp Contigo:

• Emergency alert feature:
  

  The primary function is an "emergency button" that, when activated, sends notifications to designated contacts and the nearest Mexican consulate in case of detention.

  
  

• Access to consular services:
  

  Users can also use the app to schedule appointments with the consulate for passport services and other official matters.

  
  

• Intended audience:
  

  Primarily targeted towards Mexican citizens residing in the United States.

  
  

• Purpose in immigration concerns:
  

  The app was developed to provide support and guidance to Mexican nationals facing potential immigration challenges or concerns about deportation.

  
  

From AFC.org

1. Build Empathy
2. Don’t repeat negative myths and stereotypes- even to counter them.
   
3. Be truthful and critical about our complex history.
4. Show your support for ALL students

How to talk about immigration in your classroom (or anywhere!)

What's in a label?...why words matter in the immigration policy debate

Discussion Guide: Posters on Inclusion and Acceptance

Other things to keep in mind

• It’s ok to not have ALL the answers
  

• Please don’t spread misinformation!

• Maybe do research with your student

• A great example of a response to something you don't know- “That’s a great question, I can find that out and get back to you.”

• Everything on social media may not be true.

• Help create a sense of community for your students and their families.
  

  
  

1. Encourage Parents to get educated on the immigration issues. Encourage them to attend a KYR training.
2. Find an organization/community group to facilitate conversations and connect with other families going through similar situations. Immigration resource list from ICRR by West40 School Locations
3. Have a family meeting - encourage a regular space and time. Acknowledge all the feelings happening. Allow space for all the emotions that may come with learning about a family member’s documentation status. Regularly to address concerns, and identify what supports children or family members may need. Be mindful that youth process information in different ways. Address concerns you may see. Develop and share the family plan. This is what you will do in case of an emergency. Go over it regularly to ensure everyone knows what to do.
4. Utilize your support systems - you will get through it!

Remember we are preparing for the worse, but hoping for the best.

From the Center for Childhood Resilience

• A Guide for Parents in Illinois who are Undocumented
• Support for Youth and Families of Undocumented Status
• Stress Related to Immigration Status in Students: A Brief Guide for Schools
• You are not alone: Mental Health Resources for Marginalized Youth and Families

Administration for Children and Families: Resources Specific to Immigrant or Refugee Populations

Illinois Childhood Trauma Coalition: Supporting Immigrant and Refugee Children: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

• English
• Spanish
• Arabic
• French

• Fostering Resilience in our Immigrant Families & Communities: Strategies for Building Support Groups in the Face of Adversity
• Resilience and Community Care Toolkit

• Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding and Addressing the Needs of Unaccompanied Children Webinar Series

• Trauma-Informed Care for Unaccompanied Immigrant Youth: Alliance for Inclusion and Prevention (podcast available in multiple languages)

Immigration Status and Your Health (From Trinity Health)

• English Guide
• Spanish Guide

[Please note, as of January 21, 2025, the memorandum on Protected Areas of Enforcement Actions has been revoked.]

We encourage our schools to:

1. Have a Clear Plan and Protocols

• Designate a Response Team: Identify staff members responsible for handling ICE visits and train them on the appropriate procedures.
• Restrict Access: ICE agents should not be allowed to enter school grounds or remove students without proper legal documentation, such as a signed judicial warrant.
• Verify Documentation: If ICE agents arrive, the school should direct them to the designated administrator who can review their credentials and legal documents (e.g., a judicial warrant, not just an ICE administrative warrant).

2. Protect Student and Family Information

• Schools are not required to provide student information, including immigration status, unless presented with a legally valid warrant or subpoena. Ensure compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects student records.
• Train staff to avoid sharing information without proper legal review.

3. Limit Disruptions

• Do not allow ICE agents to disrupt the school day or interact with students.
• Ensure students feel safe and are not directly exposed to enforcement actions.

4. Communicate with Families

• Notify families immediately if ICE attempts enforcement at the school.
• Provide families with "Know Your Rights" materials in multiple languages, explaining what to do if they are approached by ICE.

5. Offer Emotional and Social Support

• Prepare counselors and social workers to support students who may be affected by ICE activity or fear of enforcement.
• Provide a safe space for students to process their feelings and seek reassurance.

• ICE- Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• 888-351-4024
• ERO Contact Form
• Website

• USCIS- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Customer Services 800-375-5283

• CBP- US Customs and Border Patrol
• 877-227-5511
• Website

• Office of the Inspector General
• 800-323-8603
• Website

• DHS- Department of Homeland Security, Office For Civil Right and Civil Liberties
• 866-644-8360
• CRCLCompliance@hq.dhs.gov

• Adopt policies and set forth administrative guidance that clearly explains the steps their schools should take in the event immigration enforcement personnel seek to carry out an enforcement action or otherwise request information from schools.

• Establish a point person or department where ICE personnel can be directed should they arrive on campus. This might include a legal office, superintendent, or chief executive officer.

• Establish a point person or department to review records requests or subpoenas arriving from ICE or other related authorities as well as keep track of ICE requests in case this information is needed for future reference.

• A school’s policy should be made available to and discussed with instructional staff, administrative staff, and other staff and faculty members who might otherwise be on campus.

• Schools should ensure that their student data-sharing policies are up to date and that such policies are readily available to all faculty and staff as well as all third-party contractors who might have access to student data.

• Instructional staff, administrative staff, and other staff and faculty members should receive appropriate training to ensure proper implementation of school policies.

• Schools should encourage parents to keep their child’s emergency contacts updated and accurate.

• Schools are encouraged, to the extent possible, to have policies and procedures in place in the event a student’s parent is detained or deported.

From School House Connections

• Resources to Support Immigrant and Migrant Students Experiencing Homelessness

• Reminders for CPS Families

• Guidance and Resources Regarding New Presidential Administration

  
  

IDHS- Illinois Department of Human Services

• List of Community Service Agencies Serving Immigrants
• Welcoming Immigrants and Refugees

ICRR- Illinois Coalition of Refugee Rights

• https://www.icirr.org/about
  

ILRC- Immigration Legal Resources Center

• ILRC Website
• Immigrant Rights Guide

Office of the Illinois Attorney General- Kwame Raoul

• Civil Immigration Rights

Immigration Advocates Network

• National Immigration Legal Services Directory

US Department Of Justice

• https://www.justice.gov/
  
• Recognized Organizations and Accredited Representatives Roster by State and City (you have to scroll to ILLINOIS)

Illinois Work Net Center

• Workforce Services for Immigrant and Refugee Jobseekers

Latino Policy Forum

• Safe and Healthy Living: A Resource List for Immigrant Families

National Partnership for New Americans

• Immigrant Legal Protection Resource Guide

National Immigrant Justice Center

• Website
• Chicago Location- 111 W. Jackson, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60604
• 312-660-1370

Protecting Immigrant Families Illinois

• Website

Center for Childhood Resistance

• https://ccr.luriechildrens.org/en/
  

• Thursday February 27 4-6PM at Cicero Community Center, 250 S. 49th Ave in Cicero, IL 60804 *Registration is required. Phone number for registration is 708-943-7667
  

• Friday March 7 and April 11 4 PM – 6PM at Cicero Community Center, 250 S. 49th Ave in Cicero, IL 60804 *Registration is required. Phone number for registration is 708-943-7667

• Saturday May 3rd 10 AM-1PM at Cicero Community Center, 250 S. 49th Ave in Cicero, IL 60804 *Registration is required. Phone number for registration is 708-943-7667

The Protecting Immigrant Families-Illinois (PIF-IL) coalition will be hosting virtual meetings open to anyone working to ensure that Illinois immigrant families have the accurate information they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Opening these meetings is a change from our previous structure but necessary to ensure accurate and timely information is disseminated widely. The first meeting will be:

When: February 13, 11-12pm

How to Register: https://povertylaw.zoom.us/meeting/register/75_6USeBSuCPhaKADiaeDQ

At the meeting we will:

• Share current information about federal efforts to limit immigrants’ access to public benefits and services and our state’s and community partners' efforts to defend against these attacks.

• Connect interested stakeholders with other coalition efforts to defend Illinoisans from threats at the federal level to limit health care/coverage, food/nutrition programs and other services.

• Share partner orgs’ Know Your Rights trainings, materials, and other resources so that immigrants can make the best choice for their family.

• And more!

For undocumented students who are completing federal and state financial aid applications for post-secondary education. (From CPS)

• Letter to Guardians and Students Regarding Financial Aid - Translations Available Here
• 2025-2026 Financial Aid Process Key Questions - Translations Available Here
• Post-Election Support for Immigrant Youth and Families in Illinois

Illinois Student Assistance Commission

• Website
• Information for Non-Eligible Non-Citizens
• ISACorps Members by Community College District

Thank you to our Community Partners that are doing amazing work with our immigrant families. This information wouldn't be here with out you!

Please feel free to reach out questions!

Maria-Elena Agrela
Director of Community Relations
Email: meagrela@west40.org

Phone: 708-990-7975

Instagram @West40communityresrouces
Website: west40communityresources.org

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