Immigration Enforcement in Chicago

• Carry your immigration documents with you. We recommend that students with immigration visas carry: 

  o   Passport

  o   I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

  o   I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students and scholars)

  o   OPT EAD Card (if applicable)

  Students should determine if they will carry originals or copies of their documents. Carrying original immigration documents will allow you to quickly provide definitive proof of your status, but it carries the risk of losing the documents. Carrying copies eliminates the risk that they will be lost, but increases the likelihood that the documents will be challenged. Individuals should weigh these risks when determining what to carry. If you carry a printed copy, then we recommend that you keep an encrypted digital scan of your passport page, visa, I-20/DS-2019, and I-94 on your phone. 

  Please note that a City Key Card, Illinois Driver’s License or State ID alone does not verify your immigration status. 

• Leave a copy of your immigration documents with a trusted contact. Students should consider leaving a copy of their immigration documents with a trusted contact.

• Maintain your immigration status. Students should ensure that they understand and are complying with the requirements to maintain their valid visa status. For example, F and J international students must meet full-time enrollment requirements by the add/drop deadline. If you have any questions about your visa requirements, please contact your ISS advisor. ISS Advising is offered in-person as well as by Zoom, telephone and email. Your advisor is assigned based on the first letter of your last name. If you are unsure who your advisor is or how to contact them, visit our webpage.  The ISS Front Desk is open Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. 

• Know your rights when engaging with law enforcement. Ensure that you understand your rights when engaging with law enforcement. You can learn about your rights here: 

  • Office Of The Attorney General State of Illinois Know Your Rights
  • Informed Immigrant Know Your Rights Resource Library

• Create a safety plan. We recommend that all international students have a safety plan in place for if they encounter ICE agents. Each person’s safety plan will be different, but may include: identifying your emergency contacts and memorizing their phone numbers; identifying and/or retaining an attorney who will represent you if you are detained; and telling your contacts that if you are detained by ICE, then they can try to use ICE’s online detainee locator to find you: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search.

• Prepare For Travel. The Presidents’ Alliance published a helpful Travel Emergency Preparedness Planfor guidance on what documents to carry, how to share information with trusted contacts, and other tips. Students should carefully consider whether they can safely travel outside of the United States, and monitor for any new travel bans or restrictions. 

• Know how to contact DePaul Public Safety in case of emergency. If you experience an immigration-related emergency, immediately contact Public Safety at 773-325-7777. We recommend that you save this number in your phone contacts.

• Care for your physical, mental, and social health. Utilize University Counseling and Psychological Services or the Division of Mission and Ministry  to support your mental and spiritual wellbeing. Stay socially connected through the Office of Student Involvement. 

• Be mindful of your social media and online presence. While immigration authorities have been reviewing the online activity of international visitors to the U.S. for many years, recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has expanded the focus of these searches.

Anyone who learns that a student was detained by ICE should immediately contact James Dorsett (312-362-5171) or Gretchen Frickx (312-362-6595). ISS has protocols in place to offer support services and referrals. 

If you have concerns about attending classes, then you should reach out to your professors. We are asking our university community to be understanding and supportive during this uncertain time.

DePaul provides a wide range of resources for international students and scholars:

• University Counseling and Psychological Services (UCAPS) – Free counseling by appointment or walk-in. 24/7 Care Line: (773) 325-2273 (option 1). 
• Division of Mission and Ministry  – Spiritual and pastoral support across many faith traditions. Offices on both Loop and Lincoln Park campuses. Phone: 773.325.7902 or Phone: 312.362.7940 | Location: 11008-11010 DePaul Center  (Loop Campus)
• International Student and Scholar Services – Email: iss@depaul.edu | Phone: (312) 362-8376 | Location: 9300 DePaul Center (Loop Campus)
• Immigration and Refugee Resources at DePaul—Resource page
• Public Safety—Safety tips, escort service on the Lincoln Park Campus, and the shuttle between campuses. The Vinnie Van is also available for residential service near the Lincoln Park Campus.   Phone: Lincoln Park: 773-325-7777 |Loop: 312-362-8400

Please remember that you are a valued member of the DePaul community and you are not alone. ISS along with other campus offices are here to support you.

• The Office of the Mayor of Chicago has a page regarding the Protecting Chicago Initiative. 

• Justia – Links to organizations that provide individuals with free or low-cost legal assistance with immigration issues in the Chicago area.

• The Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights published helpful lists, including:

• A list of local non-profit agencies providing free or low-cost assistance with immigration matters
• A list of organizations that assist in multiple languages with Public Benefits, State Resource Centers, Food Pantries, Emergency Assistance, Financial Assistance, Housing, Utilities, and more.
• A list of nonprofit organizations that can assist with citizenship and DACA renewals. 

• The Illinois Immigration Information Hub's website has a comprehensive guide with resources for Illinois' immigrant communities: https://www.illinoisimmigrationinfo.org/

• The Illinois Coalition For Immigrant and Refugee Rights has extensive information for immigrants and refugees and partners with over 60 nonprofit organizations that provide services throughout Illinois.

• The National Immigration Legal Services Directory: Chicago Legal Clinic and National Immigrant Justice Center provide legal assistance with immigration matters.