Illinois has recently experienced an increase in new arrivals seeking asylum, most of whom have little to no resources. Organizations across Illinois are working to address the needs of this growing population, aiming to provide essential support and services. See a list of these organizations and resources below.

Food assistance

• Chicago’s food bank: To find food in Chicago and Cook County.
• Food connections: Information about food pantries and soup kitchens throughout Illinois.

School enrollment 

• Learn how to enroll an undocumented child in a public school.

Healthcare

• Healthcare locator tool: To find a free or low-cost clinic in Illinois. Services are provided regardless of immigration or insurance status.

ID and other documentation 

• Need an ID? 
  • Apply for the Chicago CityKey ID card: Optional ID for those who reside in Chicago and have problems getting or maintaining an ID, including people who are undocumented or experiencing homelessness. 
  • Read if you qualify for a temporary driver’s license and how to apply. 
• Documents taken by ICE?
  • If you are a Venezuelan national and your documents were taken by ICE when they detained you, you can send an inquiry to ICE at [email protected]. 
• Need to request your immigration records from USCIS?
  • You can make a FOIA request. Learn about the Freedom and Information Act (FOIA) requests.
• Have questions about your case?
  • Contact the ICE field office in your area. 

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

• Learn how to apply for Temporary protected status (TPS).
• Read the latest information about Venezuela's temporary protected status 2023.
• See all of our TPS resources. 

Immigration application workshops 

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) workshops to help eligible immigrants stay or work in the U.S.

Workshops are only available for people staying in a shelter. Talk to your shelter case manager. You must be signed up by your shelter case manager to attend. If you show up to a workshop without being registered, you will be turned away. 

If you are not staying in a shelter, please see the TPS resources above or the legal resources below. 

Government benefits 

• Learn about Government benefits available for immigrants. Note: some of these benefits may be considered in the public charge test when you apply for a green card.
• See a list of Immigrant family support organizations that can assist you in the process of obtaining food support, housing, or medical care. 
• Call or text (708) 320-1570 to be connected with a social worker from an Illinois Welcoming Center. They can provide you with information and connect you to services.  

Legal resources 

Note: Notaries Public are not attorneys and cannot advise you on immigration matters.

• Immigration clinics from Instituto del Progreso Latino: Services are available by appointment only. Register for an appointment or call (773) 890-0055, extension 4515. 
• Illinois Access to Justice Get Help: Search for immigration legal services providers in your area. 
• Legal orientation videos in Spanish from the National Immigrant Justice Center.
• Read how to check in with ICE and change your address with the immigration court.