Resources: Immigration

The Illinois Eyes on ICE Text Network is a text alert system around verified ICE activity. Network participants will receive:

• Verified reports of local ICE activity near your area as soon as possible
• Tips and reminders to keep yourself and your neighbors safe
• Ongoing updates related to Know-Your-Rights information
• Opportunities to organize, advocate and take action

The network, run by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, will send periodic updates related to ICE activity, although it is unable to send verifications of every ICE sighting.

• Detained by ICE: If your loved one has been detained by ICE, and they live in Illinois, fill out a form and nonprofit community group The Resurrection Project will get back to you as soon as possible.
• You can also call the ICIRR family support hotline at 1-855-435-7693
• Not currently detained: If you live in Illinois and (1) were placed in deportation proceedings and are not currently detained or (2) if you need to speak to a legal representative about your eligibility for immigration benefits, register for a workshop with The Resurrection Project.

• The National Immigrant Justice Center's Checklist provides five things you can do now to prepare in case of deportation.
• The Immigrant Defense Project's Emergency Preparedness Toolkit provides a helpful checklist of ways to prepare ahead.
• The National Immigrant Justice Center has information to ensure the safety of children and other dependents if there is a deportation of a parent or caretaker, including information on Illinois law.
• The Women's Refugee Coalition provides a toolkit for detained and deported immigrant and undocumented mothers and fathers with information such as how to get a lawyer, stay in touch with children and participate in child welfare hearings.

• Voz published by the Chicago Sun Times lays out answers to how immigrants can see a doctor without insurance and regardless of legal status with information on emergency healthcare, free and charitable clinics, Cook County's Care Link and more.
• The Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health has created a directory for mental health services in the Chicago area, including service directories in English and Spanish, crisis counseling hotlines and an interactive map of mental health services.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Line: If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org/chat to access live chat. You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor who will listen to you, provide support and get the help you need.
• 833-NAMI-CHI (626-4244): NAMI's Helpline is a free and confidential resource that provides a listening ear, guidance and connection to the right mental health and social service resources, over the phone (Hablamos español).

• The City of Chicago Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights offers resources about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
• TheNational Immigrant Justice Center's DACA: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) has information on the impacts of the January 2025 federal court decision that held DACA unlawful, including renewals and new applications (download as fact sheet).

• Equality Illinois: For resources for the LGBTQ+ community, including Legal Services, youth services, healthcare and a crisis hotline.
• Resources for LGBTQ+ Affirming Care: a list for LGTBQ+ migrant communities compiled by UIC’s Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy.
• Immigration Equality: a national organization for LGBTQ and HIV immigration rights, including direct legal services and law and policy.

The Muslim civil rights organization CAIR-Chicago runs Travelers Assistance Project with resources to help to Muslim and Muslim-perceived travelers at O'Hare and Midway airports who may be impacted by 2025 travel restrictions.

• Digital safety tips
• Know your rights at the border
• Option to register your flight before traveling + connect with a lawyer to track your flight and provide immediate legal assistance if needed

Providing 24/7 support, text: (630) 930-2987

Email: hmusabji@cair.com

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) partners with more than 60 nonprofit organizations that provide services throughout Illinois. They have sorted resource lists for:

• Family support
• Case management services
• Legal services
• Domestic violence
• Healthcare access
• Mental health services
• LGBTQ+ resources
• Human trafficking

Organized Communities Against Deportations (OCAD) provides a search tool to find services for:

• Substance use resources
• Healthcare
• Mental healthcare
• Food pantry
• Warming center

You can filter results by cost, location in Chicago and Spanish-language services.

The Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants has a helpful resource guide on topics like:

• Know your rights
• Work permits
• Important State of Illinois agencies
• Housing in Illinois
• Healthcare services in Illinois

The guide was published in April 2023 and is intended to be a living document that will be updated as information and resources change.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice created an Asian Resource Hub - a searchable directory of Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander-serving organizations. Some services include:

• Social service support (basic needs, language assistance, victim services, etc.)
• Legal assistance
• Mental health support
• Raising awareness of Anti-Asian hate
• Opportunities to get involved in advocacy

CAIR Chicago provides and lists resources for immigrants, including:

• Legal services
• Food assistance services
• Employment and financial aid services
• Refugee and asylum resources
• Know your rights

The Illinois Department of Human Services provides links for:

• Resources for new arrivals
• Illinois Welcoming Centers (comprehensive services)
• Rights and resources
• Refugee program
• Support services for Ukrainian newcomers

Office of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights

"Chicago will always be a welcoming city and a champion for the rights of our immigrant and refugee communities." –Mayor Brandon Johnson

The City of Chicago has collected resources on:

• Citizenship
• Welcoming City resources
• Deferred Acton for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• Undocumented students
• Language access
• New Arrival shelter system