Immigration Resources for School Families or Friends of School Families
Dear SBPS Parents and Guardians - Mr. Greg Richmond, Superintended of Chicago Catholic Schools, sent this to principals recently. I am reposting it for our own school families and friends of our school families who may be in need of support and resources during this unusual time in our city and country.
Additionally, the Illinois State Board of Education has asked school administrators to share this website IL Immigration Hub with school families. It may provide information helpful to some of our own school families as well as families we know.
May God give us the strength and courage to be people of peace and justice.
Please see below, Ms. Rachel Gemo
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A Message from the Superintendent of Chicago Catholic Schools to Principals -
The American Immigration Lawyers Association has received information of a Nationwide ICE operation “Freaky Friday” that is targeting “unaccompanied minors” aged 14 and older of all nationalities, but could possibly be lowered to include 10 years and older.
This only applies to children who were detained and released from ORR (Office of Refugee Resettlement).
Children will be sent a “threat” letter from ICE threatening indefinite detention and immediate transfer to ICE upon age-out if they do not waive jurisdiction under the TVPRA and withdraw applications for relief.
Children will be offered $2,500 to return to their countries of origin
If children do not comply with the “offer”, the letter intimates their parents if in the U.S. will be arrested.
ICE plans to detain all age-outs (Over 18 years old) and they anticipate legal challenges.
AILA understands the plan is to first target detained children, but will also target children released from custody.
A child or guardian who receives such a letter may come to school officials for assistance. Below is some guidance:
If a child or guardian indicates that the child is or was in ORR custody, please recommend they seek legal immigration counsel immediately.
Below are some Chicago area immigration nonprofits, the immigration resources page and the AILA referral line that you can provide to a child or guardian:
IMMIGRATION RESOURCES
The Resurrection Project (TRP) -TRP has centralized intake and sign up for a workshop. Registration here.
National Immigration Justice Center (NIJC)- Legal Services for Unaccompanied Immigrant Children -National Immigrant Justice Center
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Referral Line-ailalawyer.com | 202.507.7600 (Español)
Immigrant Assistance Resources - Parish Vitality and Mission
ICIRR hotline (855-435-7693) - Family Support Network & Hotline | ICIRR