The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) is working closely with local partners to support asylum seekers and other immigrants who have arrived by bus from Texas. Our legal staff and partners have welcomed and provided legal orientation to 2,500 migrants bused to Chicago. Our communities are strengthened and enriched by our immigrant neighbors, both people who have lived here for years and those just arriving. This page contains resources both for migrants and for people who want to help.
Read NIJC's full statement of welcome
Know Your Rights
Visit NIJC's Spanish-language legal resources page for migrants arriving in Chicago.
This page provides guidance on the steps asylum seekers and other migrants who are seeking protection can take to exercise their rights in the United States. (English translation coming soon.)
How to Help:
- Legal volunteers: NIJC is currently working with law firm and corporate legal departments to host pro se asylum workshops for asylum seekers arriving in Chicago by bus. While we pivot to rapid response, there are a number of other opportunities for pro bono attorneys who want to help NIJC ensure immigrants in our communities have access to legal services. Read more about pro bono opportunities at NIJC.
- Additional volunteer and donation opportunities: The City of Chicago is collecting materials and donations for needed items. Visit this regularly updated list of the supplies and volunteer needs in heaviest demand.
- Donate to NIJC using the form below.