Frequently Asked questions
Common questions about immigration issues in Illinois.
Recent Immigration Policy Changes
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June 4, 2025 – Travel Ban: The U.S. issued a Travel Ban restricting entry from multiple countries, with full and partial bans depending on visa type and travel purpose.
December 2, 2025 – USCIS Policy Memo: USCIS paused all pending immigration and asylum applications for countries on the Travel Ban and ordered re-reviews of previously approved applications.
December 16, 2025 – White House Proclamation: The Entry Ban Proclamation expanded the Travel Ban to additional countries and broadened restrictions on several countries covered by the June Travel Ban. The proclamation takes effect on January 1, 2026. The Proclamation includes exceptions for:
lawful permanent residents,
existing visa holders,
certain visa categories like athletes and diplomats, and
individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.
The Proclamation narrows broad family-based immigrant visa carve-outs that carry demonstrated fraud risks, while preserving case-by-case waivers.
If you or someone you know is affected or planning to travel: Consult with immigration attorneys or DOJ accredited representatives.
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Countries fully banned:
Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Laos, and Sierra Leone. People with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority are also covered.
Individuals from these countries will not be allowed to enter the U.S., regardless of visa type.
Countries with partial restrictions:
Burundi, Cuba, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Entry may be allowed in limited circumstances, depending on the type of visa or purpose of travel.
If you or someone you know is affected or planning to travel: Consult with immigration attorneys or DOJ accredited representatives.
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On April 11th, 2025, the noncitizen registration requirement went into effect. Anyone 14 years old or older who entered the U.S. without permission and has had no contact with immigration authorities must now register with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Before registering, community members should consult a trusted immigration lawyer to learn if they are required to register and how registering might impact them.
Learn more about how to access legal services in Illinois.
If you’ve ever applied for an immigration status or benefit or been in deportation proceedings, you might already be considered to have registered, including:
Green card holders (lawful permanent residents)
People who were granted parole, including advance parole (even if that parole has expired)
People who came to the U.S. on a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa (even if it has expired)
People who are already in immigration court (removal) proceedings
People granted employment authorization on any basis (even if it has expired)
Refugees
People who applied for lawful permanent residence (even if the application was denied)
For undocumented immigrants, signing up could lead to detention, deportation, and possibly criminal prosecution. Government officials have said clearly that they plan to use the information they get from registration to find and arrest people, deport them, or pressure them to leave the United States on their own. There may also be consequences for people who are required to register but do not register, including fines and both criminal and immigration penalties.
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In recent weeks, immigration enforcement efforts have increasingly targeted international and noncitizen students in higher education. Students and campus staff who wish to know more about student visas, changes in recent enforcement activity, student’s rights, and additional resources can reference the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration FAQ.
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No. The DACA program continues for renewals only. New applications are not being accepted, but current recipients can still renew.
Read the NIJC DACA FAQ to learn more.
Schedule an appointment with TRP’s Legal Clinic to speak to a trusted legal representative about renewing your DACA.
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On January 21, 2025, the Trump administration announced the expansion of expedited removal. Through expedited removal, Homeland Security can deport people without first providing them with an opportunity to defend themselves in immigration court. Under the expanded policy, expedited removal now applies to any noncitizen who has not been admitted or paroled into the United States and cannot show that they have been here for at least two years.
If you have resided in the U.S. for MORE than two years: Carry documents with your name, location and date, such as a license or U.S.-issued ID, that prove you have been residing in the country for at least 2 years.
ANYONE facing expedited removal who demonstrates fear of returning to their home country or says they want to apply for asylum, will be referred for an interview regarding their fear of return.
Consult with an immigration attorney to review your options.
Click here to learn more about how to access legal services in Illinois
Voluntary repatriation (self-Deportation)
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Voluntary repatriation means choosing to return to your home country on your own.
It is not a legal process, and not the same as deportation.
It is a personal choice, sometimes made due to family needs, safety considerations, or a desire to leave the country with dignity.
It is a choice people sometimes make rather than risk detention
It’s important to know that you may still have legal options to remain in the U.S. Consider talking to an attorney to explore your options before making the decision to leave.
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Leaving the U.S. is a big decision. If you are considering returning to your home country, it’s important to understand your rights, risks, and options. Below are definitions for three departure types for individuals leaving the United States:
Voluntary Repatriation: You leave the U.S. by choice, without a court order or detention. Please note, sometimes people use the term “self-deportation” when someone chooses to leave the U.S. on their own, but the law doesn’t recognize or control this. The term can be confusing and harmful.
Deportation (Removal): You are ordered by a judge after a court hearing, or without a court hearing if going through expedited removal.
Voluntary Departure: A legal option a judge may grant in court.
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It is a process used by Customs and Border Protection to facilitate “Self-Deportation”
To participate, you must use the CBP HOME app.
The US federal government states that it will cover the cost of your flight departing the US.
You may receive a $1,000 stipend once you return to your home country, but there is currently no clear process in place for how this will happen.
The government has said people might be able to come back to the U.S. later, but there are no clear details about how that would happen.
Using this process does not cancel your immigration case or history. For example, if you leave with a deportation case still open, the judge may issue a removal order, which can hurt your chances of returning.
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While each person’s immigration case is different, these are some of the possible consequences of leaving the US voluntarily:
You may lose any pending applications (asylum, visa, green card, TPS).
If you leave with a deportation case still open, the judge may issue a removal order, which can hurt your chances of returning.
Leaving after applying for asylum may be used against you if you try to apply again.
Leaving while on TPS, without advanced parole, means you lose that protection.
If you think you have an open case in Immigration Court or you’re not sure, contact an Immigration attorney to help.
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Whether you can return to the US legally after voluntary repatriation depends on several factors:
How and when you entered the U.S.
What status, if any, you had while in the U.S.
Whether you have a prior removal order
How many times you entered or attempted to enter the U.S.
Family connections and immigration history
You may face re-entry bars or need a waiver, especially if you entered without permission more than once. For example: 3-year bar, 10-year bar, or permanent bar.
You may be subject to a 3-year bar from re-entering the U.S. :
You did not have a valid legal status (or overstayed your status) for more than 180 days but less than 1 year;
You voluntarily left the U.S. (you did not get an order from an immigration judge or go through Immigration Court)
You may be subject to a ten-year bar if:
You have been in the U.S. without legal status or you overstayed your status for more than 1 year;
You left the U.S. or were removed/deported from the U.S.
You may be subject to a permanent bar if:
You have been in the U.S. for more than one year without status or after your status expired;
You left or were removed from the U.S.;
You re-entered the U.S. without inspection after leaving
There may be waivers available for these bars, but they are not guaranteed.
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Having a valid Passport or ID
If you try to leave without a valid ID, you could be stopped, detained, or not allowed to leave. Airlines and border officials require proof of identity and nationality. Getting travel documents can take time. You may need to contact your home country’s consulate or embassy to get them.
Travel Costs (flights, trains, taxis, buses)
Housing plans in your home country
Medical Needs (you should bring your medical records and prescriptions)
Schooling for children
Job options and income
Mental health and community support
Safety: If you fear for your safety, speak to a legal representative. You may still qualify for protection.
TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
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Updated October 10, 2025.
For 2023 TPS Holders: On September 5, 2025, a federal court preserved the 2023 designation of TPS for Venezuela, which had been extended by the Biden Administration. The Trump Administration tried to undo that extension, but the court ruled that this action was illegal. If you have TPS under the 2023 designation and re-registered, your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is valid through April 2, 2026, even if it shows an earlier expiration date.
For 2021 TPS Holders: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of the 2021 TPS designation for Venezuela, effective November 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. This termination applies to individuals who did not re-register under the January 17, 2025, extension notice. If you are a beneficiary of the 2021 designation and did not re-register under the extension notice, your work authorization expires on November 7, 2025.
Determine Your Status: Review your TPS approval notices and EADs to confirm which designation you fall under and the expiration date of your documents.
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*last updated August 21, 2025. For the most up to date information on your country’s TPS status, please visit USCIS.gov.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of TPS for the following countries:
Afghanistan (termination date July 14, 2025)
Cameroon (termination date August 4, 2025)
Haiti (termination date February 3, 2026)
Honduras (termination date September 8, 2025)
Nepal (termination date August 8, 2025)
Nicaragua (termination date September 8, 2025)Redesignation means DHS has reissued TPS for a country, often with updated eligibility criteria and dates. It allows new eligible individuals from that country to apply for TPS, not just those who already have it. DHS has extended and redesignated TPS for the following countries:
Burma (redesignation period ends November 25, 2025)
Ethiopia (redesignation period ends December 12, 2025)
Somalia (redesignation period ends March 17, 2026)
Syria (redesignation period ends September 30, 2025)DHS has extended TPS for the following countries:
El Salvador (extension expires September 9, 2026)
South Sudan (extension expires November 3, 2025
Sudan (extension expires October 19, 2026)
Ukraine (extension expires October 19, 2026)
Yemen (extension expires March 3, 2026)
parole
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There are many types of parole and some parole statuses may be impacted by recent Trump administration actions. On March 25, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice that it will terminate humanitarian parole for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans on April 24, 2025 (though this development is currently blocked by a court order). DHS has also been notifying people who received parole through the CBP One process that their parole is ending.
During this time, if you have any questions or believe your status is in jeopardy, we recommend you register for a workshop where a legal representative will screen you for eligibility and advise you on your options.
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Under federal law, immigration authorities can allow certain people to enter the U.S. without a visa and remain in the country temporarily. The previous administration created parole programs for people fleeing Afghanistan (Operation Allies Welcome) and Ukraine (Uniting for Ukraine).
The administration also created parole for people fleeing Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV), and for people showing up at the border seeking asylum (CBP One). These programs allowed people from these countries and people seeking asylum to get screened abroad or at the border and then enter the U.S.
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The current administration is attempting to end several of these parole programs and cancel parole previously granted for people under these programs.
If you entered the U.S. through one of these programs, these changes could affect your legal status and your ability to work. Some people are getting letters or emails from the government telling them they must leave the country within a short period of time.
Immigrant Justice organizations have gone to the courts to try to stop these parole programs from ending. But these cases will take time, so it's important to stay informed as things change.
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If you receive a letter or email that says your parole will be terminated and you should leave the U.S., it’s important to seek legal advice before making any decisions.
Even if you receive a letter or email from Homeland Security, getting expert advice first can help protect your future immigration options. You may wish to an immigration lawyer or a DOJ-accredited representative before doing anything. They can help you understand your rights and options, like applying for asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This is especially important if you already applied for another immigration benefit or have a case in immigration court. Getting legal help can improve your chances of staying in or coming back to the U.S. legally.
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If you came to the U.S. through CBP One, you might get a letter saying your parole is ending in 7 days and instructing you to leave the country immediately or you will be subject to potential law enforcement. You are not required to leave the U.S. based on this notice. Please consult with a trusted immigration lawyer or DOJ-accredited representative before making any decisions.
If your parole ends, your work permit will also end, unless your work permit is based on something else, like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or asylum. If you applied for or received TPS, asylum, or another immigration benefit, those will not be affected if your parole expires.
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Notices sent to people who arrived through U4U were issued in error. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed these messages were sent by mistake and that the U4U program is still valid. (CBS News, April 4, 2025)
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Homeland Security has announced that it is ending CHNV, and notified people who arrived through CHNV that they must leave by April 24, 2025. However, on April 14, 2025, a U.S. judge blocked this change. If you were granted parole under this program, your parole is still in effect until further court developments. You can sign up for updates on the lawsuit here.
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There have been reports of US Citizens and other non-parolees receiving an email from Homeland Security saying that their parole has been terminated. The Department of Homeland Security has acknowledged that some of these messages have been sent in error and that it will address issues on a case-by-case basis.
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Termination of your parole will also terminate your parole-based work authorization, even if your work permit has not yet expired. However, if you are eligible for work authorization based on another status, such as pending asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), you may still be able to apply for a new work permit. Consulting with an immigration attorney will help you understand your options.
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Yes, if your parole is terminated, you may still be eligible to pursue asylum or other forms of immigration relief. If you have not yet submitted an application, it is critical to seek legal support to apply as soon as possible.
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The termination of your parole will not affect your immigration benefit applications, such as TPS or asylum, as long as you have applied for or received those benefits. You can continue with those applications even if your parole ends.
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If you are arrested by I.C.E., remember that you have rights.
Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent and not answer questions about your immigration status without an attorney present.
Request a call: You have the right to contact a lawyer, a family member, or a trusted contact.
Visit our Know Your Rights page for more information and fill out TRP’s Detained Loved One Form for assistance.
If you fear harm, persecution, or torture in your home country, tell the officers immediately and clearly.
If you’re at risk of being placed in removal proceedings, an immigration lawyer or DOJ accredited representative can help you understand any options you may have to fight your case and stay in the U.S. For example, if you have been here for more than 10 years, you might be eligible for cancellation of removal based on hardship to certain U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident family members.
Immigration Application
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Asylum is a form of protection that allows individuals to stay in the U.S. if they fear returning to their home country due to persecution. It provides a path to lawful permanent residency.
If you are considering whether to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), asylum, or both, learn more from NIJC.
To be granted asylum, you must show all of the following:
You have been harmed in the past, or you have good reason to believe that you will be harmed in the future, in your country of origin.
This harm is because of a specific characteristic like your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or something else about you that you cannot change or should not have to change.
The government of your country of origin has caused or will cause this harm, or the government is unwilling or unable to protect you from this harm.
You would not be safe if you moved to another part of your country of origin.
Asylum is granted to individuals who are already in the U.S. and fear returning to their home country.
There are three ways to apply for asylum:
Affirmative Asylum: This applies if you don't already have a case in front of an immigration judge and you're submitting your asylum application directly to USCIS.
Defensive Asylum: This applies if there is already a removal or deportation case against you in front of an immigration judge, and you request asylum as a defense against removal.
Expedited Removal Proceedings: If you're in expedited removal proceedings, you can request asylum during that process.
You must apply for asylum within one year of arriving in the U.S. unless you qualify for an exception. Additionally, your spouse and children unmarried under 21 can be included in your asylum application.
Learn more about the asylum process at Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project.
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To learn more about U Visas and the new Bona Fide determination procedure, click here.
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On December 2, 2025, USCIS announced a new policy called "Hold and Review of all Pending Asylum Applications and all USCIS Benefit Applications Filed by Aliens from High-Risk Countries."
This memo includes the following directives which go into effect immediately:
Pauses pending applications for Asylum with USCIS regardless of country of origin.
Orders re-review of approved immigration application for individuals from countries listed in June 2025 travel ban who entered the US on or after January 20, 2021.
Pauses all pending immigration applications for people from countries listed in June 2025 travel ban.
If you are from any of the countries, USCIS will temporarily stop working on your case. They will not decide, move your application forward, or schedule interviews until the security review of the countries is over. This pause is indefinite, pending a “security review” of applications.
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The memo does not fully explain the types of immigration applications subject to pause, but it is likely that anything filed with USCIS will be subject to the pause. USCIS listed examples of application requests that will not move forward for now, such as:
Green Card Applications (Form I-485),
Applications for Travel Documents/ Advance Parole (Form I-131),
Green Card Renewals or Replacements (Form I-90),
Petitions to Remove Conditions on a Green Card (Form I-751).
This is not an exhaustive list. USCIS has also cancelled naturalization ceremonies for individuals from travel ban countries.
USCIS has reportedly extended this application freeze to people from nations covered by the December 2025 travel ban proclamation.
If you intend to or have filed an immigration application, and you are from one of the countries listed in the travel ban: Consult with immigration attorneys or DOJ accredited representatives. Learn more about how to access legal services in Illinois.
Legal protections
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The Illinois Trust Act prohibits local law enforcement from detaining individuals solely based on immigration status or complying with I.C.E. detainers without a judicial warrant.
The Act also limits state and local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agents unless those agents present a criminal warrant signed by a judge or other court order signed by a judge.
To report TRUST Act violations, call the ICIRR Family Support Hotline: 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) for assistance in English, Spanish, Korean, or Polish.
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The Welcoming City Ordinance (WCO) is a municipal law in the City of Chicago that ensures access to City of Chicago services regardless of immigration status and limits participation by City of Chicago departments in federal immigration enforcement.
Limits City of Chicago departments and agencies from participating in immigration enforcement without proper judicial warrants.
Prohibits the Chicago Police Department (CPD) from arresting and processing people solely on the suspicion that they’re undocumented.
Prevents CPD from holding people in custody based solely on immigration warrants and detainer hold requests.
Report any Chicago police department misconduct to the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA)—click here to learn how.
Download a WCO Palm Card in:
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Discrimination happens when you are not treated fairly due to traits that make you who you are, like your race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, the language you speak, age and more.
In Illinois, there are local, state, and federal laws that protect all residents from discrimination. Illinois law includes protections against housing discrimination based on immigration status (including for undocumented immigrants). It also includes protections against workplace discrimination based on work authorization status, meaning having a temporary or permanent authorization to work in the U.S. but not being a citizen.
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Any action that treats a person differently based on traits that make them who they are may violate a civil rights law.
For example, it may violate the Illinois Human Rights Act for:
An employer to fire an employee based on their national origin or because they have temporary work authorization status.
An employer to threaten to report workers to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in retaliation for complaining about sexual harassment.
An employer to require workers to speak only English at all times in the workplace, even for non-work-related conversations.
A landlord to deny housing to renters who do not have Social Security Numbers, or impose different rental terms on a family because they are undocumented immigrants.
A property manager to threaten to report or reporting tenants to ICE because the tenants complained about living conditions or reported incidents of discrimination.
A business to refuse to serve or accommodate a customer based on their perceived national origin.
A school to deny enrollment to a child because they were born in another country or to refuse to provide translated materials to parents because they immigrated from another country.
Learn more about discrimination in housing and real estate based on immigration status.
Legal Rights
Visit our Know Your Rights page for more information.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must have a warrant signed by a judge or permission from your employer to enter a private area of your workplace
ICE can enter public areas of your workplace without permission. Being in a public area does NOT give ICE authority to stop, question, or arrest anyone without a valid reason or warrant.
You do NOT have to answer any questions. You have the right to remain silent!
Do not carry false documents with you
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Your rights in a vehicle stop by ICE are similar to your home. You should assert your rights even if ICE officers ignore you — using these rights could help you fight a legal case!
YOU MUST…
PULL OVER if stopped by any law enforcement.
SHOW YOUR I.D.
ONLY the DRIVER is required to show a driver’s license or US government ID.
Do not show any false documents or foreign documents like a passport or consular ID.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO…
STATE THAT YOU DO NOT CONSENT TO A CAR SEARCH. But be aware that officers may still proceed with conducting a search, and you should not physically interfere or obstruct an ongoing search in any way.
You may partially roll down your window to communicate or hand over documents, if necessary.
ASK THE OFFICER FOR IDENTIFICATION
REMAIN SILENT by stating “I wish to remain silent.“
You do NOT have to answer questions about your place of birth.
REFUSE TO SHOW OR SHARE ANY PASSENGER INFORMATION
Passengers do NOT have to show ID or give any personal information. Remain silent by stating “I wish to remain silent.“
ASK “Am I free to go?”
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Beware of immigration scams and fraud! In general:
If it sounds too good to be true…get a second opinion!
Check the person’s credentials.
Get everything in writing and copies of any documents prepared
Notaries cannot give legal advice, they can only verify someone’s identity
Immigration will only reach out via regular mail or automated messages.
Report any fraud to the Office of the Attorney General of Illinois by filing a complaint online or calling:
1-800-386-5438 (English)
1-866-310-8393 (Spanish)
Learn more about how to Avoid Immigration Fraud and Scams.
Legal Resources
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Illinois has numerous free or low-cost legal service providers. See our Legal Services page for a complete list.
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Prepare an emergency family plan. Learn more about what to consider when creating a plan for you and your family.
Know & Exercise Your Rights!
Identify trusted people who can care for your child in an emergency, and make sure their contact information is updated with your child’s school and doctor.
Memorize important phone numbers.
Gather important documents in a safe place and let your emergency contact know where to find them.
Get a legal consultation. See our Legal Services page to learn more.
Public Benefits
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Many public benefits, including emergency medical care, school lunch programs, and children's health insurance do not affect immigration applications. Contact a legal provider for advice about your specific situation.
See our Legal Services page to find a provider in Illinois.
Travel
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Some status', like DACA and TPS, require special permission called Advance Parole when traveling outside the U.S.
Whatever your status, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has the authority to decide whether or not to let you back into the country, so it’s important to be prepared and understand your risk. Before traveling, it's best to consult with a trusted immigration legal representative to make an informed decision.
For more information, read the ACLU’s Enforcement at the Airport guide in:
Read the Immigrants Rising Guide for Undocumented Individuals Traveling in the U.S. in:
Consider creating a Travel Emergency Preparedness Plan and sharing with a trusted family member, friend, or attorney in case of an emergency.