Resources
Immigration education raises the community’s consciousness and understanding of immigration issues and the necessity of immigration reform in the United States. It puts a spotlight on the economic, social, and moral dimensions, among others.
Read
- The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, “US Economic Competitiveness at Risk: A Midwest Call to Action on Immigration Reform” (Full Report | Summary)
- Migration Policy Institute, “The Economic Value of Citizenship for Immigrants in the United States” (English)
- Illinois Business Immigration Coalition, “Immigration and the Economy Facts” (English)
- Immigration Policy Center, “How the Immigration System Works: A Fact Sheet” (English)
- Why don’t people migrate legally? (English)
- Our Book recommendations
Watch
- Center for American Progress, “Our Future Together: How Immigrants Will Reshape our Workforce” (English)
- Mary Small, Jesuit Refugee Services, on Immigration Policy Updates (English)
- “Who is My Neighbor?” (English | Español)
Immigration Film Festival 2022
Note: the following films which present issues of migration were shown at our film festival in January 2022. The films can serve as the basis for personal reflection and group discussion to explore how we can respond to Christ’s call to give welcome. “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)
- Oh, Mercy! Searching for Hope in the Promised Land
In 2019 the US imposed a regulation requiring immigrants crossing the border to stay in Mexico until the date of their hearing. This is formally called the Migrant Protection Protocols but is best known as the “Stay in Mexico Policy.” This film shows the severe hardship suffered by the people affected by this policy. - Ameen: A Portrait of Work and Faith
Share the simple sincerity of Ameen, a humble Muslim man who integrates his faith and work seamlessly. - Terror and Hope: The Science of Resilience
Lessons of baseball and war. The effects of and healing from toxic stress in immigrants from war zones. - Diary of an Outsider
A dramatization of the pulls of culture on an immigrant living in Chicago.
Catholic Social Teaching calls people of faith to work for the common good and the integral development of all people by standing with and speaking for those without a voice in society (Guadium et Spes #75).
This call, in relation to the immigrant community, often demands working for social justice by advocating for compassionate comprehensive immigration reform and the humane treatment of immigrant detainees and deportees according to the principles of the USCCB. Advocacy actions are crucial so the cry of the immigrant community is heard and unjust immigration policies are changed.
With the help of an extensive network, the Immigration Ministry organizes and encourages people in the Archdiocese of Chicago) to come together to engage their community and elected officials. Learn how to get involved in our advocacy work through these resources and links:
USCCB Justice for Immigrants Action Alerts (link)
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops/Justice for Immigrants’ Action Alert to the U.S. Senate: PLEASE PROTECT DACA RECIPIENTS (Link)
CLINIC Legal
National Immigrant Justice Center
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- Protect yourself and your family; get important immigration advice from a licensed professional.
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Find an Immigration Lawyer (Link)
- Know Your Rights: If ICE Visits a Home, Employer, or Public Space: Multilingual
North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic
- Know Your Rights: (Link)
- Immigration Legal Services - North Suburban County and Lake County Residents Only: (Link)
The Resurrection Project
National Immigration Legal Services Directory
- National Directory Immigration Legal Service Providers : (Link)
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS): (Link)
Support for Mental Health for Immigrant Women (Spanish)
Asylum and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) (Spanish)
Workers’ Rights (Spanish)
Peace Circles (Spanish)
The Catholic Church’s Teaching on Refugees (English | Spanish)
Immigration Reform and the Catholic Church (English | Spanish)
The Role of the Church in American Political Life (English | Spanish)
Why Immigrants Should Register with Their Parish (English | Spanish)