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!

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/

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

Bond

https://www.mibfc.org/gethelp

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

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a memorandum — Guidelines for Enforcement Actions In or Near Protected Areas — instructing officers to refrain from taking enforcement actions at or near locations or protected areas in October 2021. This policy is part of DHS’s effort to avoid restricting people’s access to essential services or engagement in essential activities.

Protected Areas

Protected areas are locations that provide essential services or activities. When determining if a location is a protected area, DHS considers the activities that take place there, the importance of those activities to the well-being of people and the communities of which they are a part and the impact an enforcement action would have on people’s willingness to be in the protected area and receive or engage in the essential services or activities that occur there. It is a determination that requires the exercise of judgment.

Examples of protected areas include, but are not limited to:

• Schools

• Medical or mental healthcare facilities

• Places of worship or religious studies

• Places where children gather

• Social services establishments

• Places where disaster or emergency response/relief is provided

• Places where funerals, graveside ceremonies, rosaries, weddings, or other religious or civil ceremonies or observances occur

• Places where there are ongoing parades, demonstrations, or rallies

  
  

  Exceptions and Limitations on Scope

  There might be limited circumstances under which an enforcement action needs to be taken in or near a protected area. The following are some examples of such limited circumstances:

  • The enforcement action involves a national security threat

  • There is an imminent risk of death, violence, or physical harm to a person

  • The enforcement action involves the hot pursuit of an individual who poses a public safety threat

  • The enforcement action involves the hot pursuit of a personally observed border crosser

  • There is an imminent risk that evidence material to a criminal case will be destroyed

  • A safe alternative location — a location deemed safe for DHS personnel, the subject of the enforcement action, and the public — does not exist

  
  

  The memorandum does not limit ICE’s or employee’s statutory authority, and DHS does not tolerate violations of law in or near a protected area.

  Absent exigent circumstances, DHS officers and agents must seek prior approval from their agency’s headquarters or an authorized delegate before taking an enforcement action in or near a protected area. To the fullest extent possible, any enforcement actions in or near a protected area should be taken in a non-public area, outside of public view, and to eliminate or minimize the chance that the enforcement action will prevent people from accessing the protected area.

  
  

  If DHS officers and agents take enforcement actions that are believed to be in violation of the protected areas policy, a complaint may be filed through one of the following channels:

  • 
    

    ICE- Immigration and Customs Enforcement

  • 888-351-4024

  • ERO Contact Form

  • Website
    

    
    

  • 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

  
  

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

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

Center for Childhood Resistance

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

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
Community Resource Coordinator
Email: meagrela@west40.org

Phone: 708-990-7975

Instagram @West40communityresrouces
Website: west40communityresources.org