Scroll Down or Click a topic below to learn more:
Asylum
Overview
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.
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.
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.
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.
Resources
FAQ
Learn more about the asylum process at Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project.
-
To learn more about U Visas procedure, click here.
-
To learn more about the new Bona Fide determination procedure, click here.
-
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.
-
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.
DACA
Overview
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) provides temporary relief from deportation (deferred action) and work authorization to certain undocumented immigrants who entered the United States at a young age.
Resources
FAQ
Read the NIJC DACA FAQ to learn more.
Speak to a trusted legal representative about renewing your DACA.
-
No. The DACA program continues for renewals only. New applications are not being accepted, but current recipients can still renew.
TPS
Overview
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration benefit for people from certain countries who are in the U.S and cannot safely return home because of war, environmental disasters, or other serious temporary conditions.
The countries covered by TPS have changed over time. TPS has ended for several countries, and court cases are challenging these decisions. As of September 2026, only four countries have TPS protections.
Resources
FAQ
-
*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)
Self-repatriation
Overview
Self-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.
Below are brief descriptions of departure options that are often confused with one another.
Self- 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.
Resources
FAQ
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.
The Resurrection Project and the Education Justice Program created these removal resource guides to provide a simplified version of EJP deportation guides. They are designed for those facing the possibility of deportation to provide critical information on legal rights, planning ahead, and available support services.
Download “A New Path” deportation guide for the following countries:
Guatemala: English | Spanish
Honduras: English | Spanish
Parole
Overview
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.
Resources
FAQ
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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)
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Updates
Legal Protections in IL
Overview
Illinois has laws that limit how state and local agencies can help with federal immigration enforcement. Some cities and towns in Illinois also have their own protections.
Illinois Trust Act
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.
Welcoming City Ordinance (WCO)
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.
Resources
FAQ
Report Hate
An act of hate happens when you are targeted for traits that make you who you are.
This includes being targeted for your actual or perceived immigration status, citizenship, or national origin.
If you experience an act of hate, you can report it and access resources through Help Stop Hate — a free, confidential support line not affiliated with law enforcement.
REPORT BY PHONE: 1-877-458-HATE (4283)
City of Chicago
Learn more about Hate Crime vs. Hate Incident.
Download a WCO Palm Card in: English | Spanish | French
Download the comprehensive resource guide for immigrants living in Chicago, from the City of Chicago’s Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights:
Know Your Rights Resource Guide (English)
Know Your Rights Resource Guide (Spanish)
Know Your Rights Resource Guide (French)
Know Your Rights Resource Guide (Simplified Chinese)
-
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.
-
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.
TRavel
Overview
Traveling within or outside the U.S. can carry immigration risks. These risks depend on your immigration status, immigration history, and other factors.
Before traveling, it’s best to talk with a trusted immigration legal representative to understand the possible risks and make an informed decision.
Resources
FAQ
Are you an Illinois resident concerned that the new 2025 travel restrictions might affect your travel plans?
Before you travel, submit your flight details through CAIR-Chicago's online form to be connected with a lawyer who can monitor your journey and provide immediate legal support if needed: Register your flight
Consider creating a Travel Emergency Preparedness Plan and sharing with a trusted family member, friend, or attorney in case of an emergency.
Download the ACLU’s Enforcement at the Airport guide. Available in: English | Arabic | Spanish | French | Urdu | Somali | Hindi | Farsi | Traditional Chinese | Simplified Chinese
Download the Immigrants Rising Guide for Undocumented Individuals Traveling in the U.S.: English | Spanish
-
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.
Public Benefits
Overview
Public benefits can help people pay for food, health care, housing, and other basic needs. Some immigrants may qualify for these programs. The rules are different for each program and may depend on your immigration status.
It is important to know that public charge is an immigration rule that may consider the use of certain public benefits and other factors in some cases. These rules are complicated and depend on your specific case and the type of benefit.
Resources
FAQ
Public Charge Rules Are Changing
New public charge rules are set to begin September 18, 2026.
Who may be affected: Some immigrants applying for a green card may be affected.
What you need to know: Most immigrants do not have to worry about public charge at all.
The Illinois Department of Human Services and Immigrant Serving Organizations across the state are working together to support immigrant access to public benefits. To learn more about each program, click the links below:
Illinois Family Resource Program
Supplementation Nutrition Program (SNAP)
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Feeding Illinois
Feeding Illinois is the association of Feeding America food banks that serve Illinois. Together, they provide food and other services to every county in Illinois through a vast network of member agencies and specialized feeding programs.
Public Charge: Does This Apply to Me?
Need help?
Get support from a trusted legal representative to see what benefits you qualify for.
-
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.
Updates
Driver's License and ID Cards
Overview
Resources
FAQ
The City of Chicago offers a municipal ID for residents of the city. Review this guide for more information on eligibility and to apply: English | Spanish
A new Illinois law allows many immigrants without a social security number to get standard (non-REAL ID) driver's licenses and state IDs: English | Spanish
*Not all immigrants are able get a REAL ID. Federal limits apply to standard (non-REAL ID) driver's licenses and state IDs. Learn more about REAL ID.
The city created a new appointment system to remove uncertainty and allow you to reserve a time slot at a CityKey event: Make an Appointment
Housing
Overview
Everyone should have a safe and stable place to live. There are programs that may help with rent, housing costs, or finding a place to live. Eligibility depends on the program and may depend on your income, family size, immigration status, and other rules.
Resources
Download a comprehensive guide for immigrant communities about their rights as tenants, accessible housing resources, and landlord responsibilities and obligations:
Housing Rights for Immigrant Tenants (available in English & Spanish)
This free, online resource is for renters and property providers in Illinois to search for affordable, accessible, and market-rate housing that will fit your needs and budge:
Search for housing in Illinois (available in multiple languages)
If you are looking for an affordable rental unit to call home, see the attached list of affordable rental housing opportunities that have been supported and developed through the City of Chicago:
Search for affordable housing in Chicago (available in multiple language)
Discrimination
You should not be treated unfairly because of your immigration status, national origin, race, disability, or family status. If you experience discrimination, you can:
File a charge with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)
File a complaint with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR)