Immigrants & Immigration resources

US citizenship

Getting married in the US if I am an undocumented immigrant

Learn about obtaining a marriage license and getting married as an undocumented person to a US citizen.

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Good moral character and naturalization

Learn more about activities that count and do not count as evidence of good moral character in immigration.

FAQ

How does being charged with a crime affect immigration?

Explains being charged with a crime, found guilty of a crime, and juvenile offenses' influence on an immigration case.

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Green card: deportation and inadmissibility

Learn the main reasons non-citizens may be ineligible for a green card, including health issues, crimes, security risks, fraud, illegal entry, or deportation history.

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Living permanently in the US (green card or LPR - Lawful Permanent Resident)

Getting married in the US if I am an undocumented immigrant

Learn about obtaining a marriage license and getting married as an undocumented person to a US citizen.

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A child turns 21 before receiving their green card

Discusses if your child is still eligible for a green card once they turn 21 depending on their immigration status.

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Good moral character and naturalization

Learn more about activities that count and do not count as evidence of good moral character in immigration.

FAQ

How does being charged with a crime affect immigration?

Explains being charged with a crime, found guilty of a crime, and juvenile offenses' influence on an immigration case.

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Deportation and Removal Proceedings

Getting relief in immigration court common questions

Learn about legal remedies that a person might be able to argue in immigration court to defend themselves from deportation.

FAQ

Going to immigration court common questions

Learn about what to expect when going to the Chicago immigration court, what to bring, the people at court like interpreters, and what help is available at the court.

FAQ

Removal proceedings and deportation common questions

Learn about how a person gets put in removal proceedings, what makes someone at risk for being put in immigration court, and where to find help.

FAQ

Self-deportation and voluntary departure common questions

Learn about the difference between self-deportation and voluntary departure and how getting one or the other would affect someone's immigration case and future immigration possibilities.

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Immigration arrests and detention

Immigration arrests and workplace raids basics

Learn about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and what to expect if ICE is present in the community.

Guide

Immigration detention basics

Learn more about what happens when someone is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Guide

Immigration resource guide for advocates in 2025

List of current resources for advocates helping detained and non-detained immigrants.

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Immigration bond common questions

Explains the process of bond release for immigrants in detention, including who qualifies, how bond amounts are determined, and the steps to request a bond hearing

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Deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA)

Immigration resource guide for advocates in 2025

List of current resources for advocates helping detained and non-detained immigrants.

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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Learn what Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is, including how it was created, what the requirements are, how to apply, what forms you need to submit, and what the benefits are.

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Applying for temporary protected status (TPS)

Immigration resource guide for advocates in 2025

List of current resources for advocates helping detained and non-detained immigrants.

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Non-Citizen registration requirement

Learn about the new non-citizen immigrant registration requirement under the Alien Registration Requirement.

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Temporary protected status basics

Explains what temporary protected status is, including who qualifies and how to apply.

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How to file for a U-1 Visa for victims of crimes

Requirements and steps for getting a visa as a victim or witness of crime. You should talk to an immigration lawyer and beware of notary fraud.

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U Visas for victims of crime

Rights of crime victims and witnesses

Explains the rights people in Illinois have when they are a victim or witness of a crime.

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Food stamps or SNAP benefits for immigrants

Learn about qualifying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or food stamps as an immigrant.

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How to file for a U-1 Visa for victims of crimes

Requirements and steps for getting a visa as a victim or witness of crime. You should talk to an immigration lawyer and beware of notary fraud.

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Resources for new arrivals

Resources and information for refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Illinois. Includes information about Temporary Protected Status (TPS), available benefits, and organizations that can help with food, medical care, and legal issues.

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Asylum and refuge

Asylum and refugee basics

Explains asylum and refugee status with lists of protections US provides for immigrants persecuted in their home country.

Guide

Asylum Common Questions

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about asylum in the US.

FAQ

Applying for asylum common questions

Learn about the ways a person can apply for asylum, associated fees, and what happens after someone files.

FAQ

Immigration resource guide for advocates in 2025

List of current resources for advocates helping detained and non-detained immigrants.

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Applying for work authorization

Immigration resource guide for advocates in 2025

List of current resources for advocates helping detained and non-detained immigrants.

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Applying for work authorization

Work authorization allows foreign nationals or noncitizens to be employed in the United States. Learn if you qualify for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), how to apply for an EAD, and more.

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Resources for new arrivals

Resources and information for refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Illinois. Includes information about Temporary Protected Status (TPS), available benefits, and organizations that can help with food, medical care, and legal issues.

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Filing documents with immigration for free

Explains how to pay fees and ask for a fee waiver when filing cases with USCIS, which forms qualify, and how to request a waiver.

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Sponsoring an immigrant

Getting married in the US if I am an undocumented immigrant

Learn about obtaining a marriage license and getting married as an undocumented person to a US citizen.

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Getting a green card for a family member

Information on green cards for family members, who can qualify, preference categories and which forms to file.

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Other citizen or immigration issues

Driver’s license for immigrants

Explains the Temporary Visitors Driver's License (TVDL) and who may qualify, including undocumented immigrants

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Getting married in the US if I am an undocumented immigrant

Learn about obtaining a marriage license and getting married as an undocumented person to a US citizen.

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Paying taxes as an undocumented immigrant

Understand why you need to pay income tax if you are an undocumented immigrant.

Guide

Traffic violations and your immigration status

Discover how traffic violations can impact your immigration status. Understand how ICE handles different offenses and what may lead to detainment.

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Resources for attorneys and advocates

Immigration Law

Assistance for attorneys dealing with immigration and immigration issues. Immigration law is now in the news on an almost daily — and some days hourly — “breaking news” status. This handbook covers guidance and resources for attorneys regularly practicing in this area. 2022 edition.

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Immigrants & Immigration

Immigrants & Immigration