Category Archives: Front Page-Updates

New Illinois Laws Taking Effect in 2026

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Starting in 2026, Illinois will implement several important new laws affecting survivors of domestic violence, immigrants, renters, and families. Below is a summary of the changes affecting the communities and individuals we serve.

Domestic Violence 

HB 1302 strengthens victims’ rights by ensuring law enforcement cannot discourage someone from filing a police report about abuse, sexual assault, sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation. It also requires that victims receive at least seven days’ notice before most court hearings. This helps survivors better plan, stay safe, and stay engaged in the legal process. Learn more here.  

HB 3710 clarifies that victims must be treated with dignity and respect during investigations, and that police cannot knowingly provide false information about evidence. This protects survivors from coercive or misleading practices and helps build trust in the reporting process. Learn more here. 

HB 2602 removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting involuntary servitude and human trafficking crimes when the victim was under 18. Many survivors do not disclose trafficking until years later, so this change expands opportunities for justice and accountability. Learn more here. 

SB 0008, the Safe Gun Storage Act, is not specifically related to survivors but is important for safety planning in domestic violence cases. It requires safe firearm storage in homes where minors, individuals at risk, or prohibited persons might gain access. Learn more here. Learn more here.  

The Clean Slate Act (HB 1836/SB 1784), pending final approval, creates automatic sealing for many eligible criminal records. Survivors with past arrests or convictions connected to abusive situations often face significant barriers to housing and employment; automatic sealing could reduce those barriers and support long-term stability.  

Rights for Safer Homes Act (765 ILCS 752) ensures survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are informed of their housing rights by requiring landlords to include a summary of key protections from six state laws on the first page of residential leases and renewals. Learn more here.

Housing and Tenant Rights 

HB 3566 requires eviction cases that name minors as defendants to be dismissed and sealed. If a child is intentionally and improperly named, they may receive attorney fees, actual damages, and up to $1,000 in statutory damages. Housing providers may refile only against adult defendants. This is especially helpful for families experiencing confusion or intimidation during the filing process. Learn more here.  

Immigration 

HB 3247 strengthens educational protections for immigrant and mixed-status families. Beginning January 1, 2026, schools must allow every child to attend and participate in school activities regardless of their or their parents’ actual or assumed immigration status. Schools are limited in what they can disclose and must adopt formal procedures for reviewing law enforcement requests related to immigration enforcement. These protections help families feel safer engaging with public schools. Learn more here.  

HB 2436 allows the Cook County Public Defender’s Immigration Division to represent residents in proceedings outside the Chicago Immigration Court if a detained individual is transferred and their case is moved. This ensures better continuity of representation in situations that are stressful and disruptive for families. Learn more here. 

HB0460 broadens access to publicly funded scholarships by allowing students to qualify regardless of citizenship or immigration status. While Illinois already provides state-funded financial aid, such as MAP grants, to students who meet residency requirements, House Bill 460 extends eligibility to scholarship programs run by local governments. Learn more here.

ICE-Related

Several new laws touch on immigration enforcement concerns.  

HB 3247 requires schools to set up strict procedures for handling any law enforcement or ICE-related requests to enter school property or access a student and limits the disclosure of immigration status information. Learn more HERE. 

HB 2436 helps preserve legal representation for detained immigrants who are transferred by ICE to out-of-state facilities by allowing the Cook County Public Defender’s Immigration Division to continue representing them even if their case moves to another immigration court. Learn more here.  

Additionally, Illinois’ existing TRUST Act and Way Forward Act protections remain fully in place in 2025, continuing to limit local cooperation with ICE and offering important assurances to immigrant families seeking help.

SIJS Update 2025

SIJS Update: Deferred Action Policy Change

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UPDATE: June 2025 SIJS Updates — Deferred Action for SIJS Recipients 

On June 6, 2025, USCIS issued new policy guidance that ends the automatic consideration of deferred action for children with approved Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) petitions who are awaiting eligibility to apply for a green card due to visa backlogs. 

Key changes include: 

  • No More Automatic Deferred Action: USCIS will no longer consider deferred action (deportation protection) for SIJS recipients who are ineligible to apply for a green card because a visa is not currently available. 
  • No New Work Permits Based on Deferred Action Alone: USCIS will not accept new Form I-765 (work permit) applications under category (c)(14) based solely on SIJS classification and deferred action. 
  • Existing Protections Remain (for now): SIJS recipients who already have deferred action and work permits will generally keep them until they expire — but USCIS still has the discretion to terminate them early. 
  • Applies Immediately: This change applies to all SIJS recipients — including those who were granted SIJS before, on, or after June 6, 2025 — unless deferred action was already granted and is still valid. 

What This Means: 

  • If you are a SIJS recipient waiting for a visa, you will not automatically get deportation protection or work authorization. 
  • You may no longer apply for a work permit unless you qualify for other forms of immigration relief. 
  • If you currently have deferred action based on SIJS, stay informed about your expiration date and consult with an attorney about next steps. 

This is a major change from the 2022 policy and could leave many SIJS recipients without protection or income while they wait for a green card. If you or someone you know is affected by this SIJS update, please call 847-737-4042 or email info@nslegalaid.org to schedule a legal consultation.  

Prohibición de Viaje

El Presidente Trump Anuncia Prohibición de Viaje para 12 Países

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El presidente Trump ha restablecido una controvertida prohibición de viaje, restringiendo la entrada a los Estados Unidos para ciudadanos de 12 países y aplicando restricciones adicionales a 7 países más. Esta política, que entra en vigor el lunes, recuerda a la prohibición de 2017, pero esta vez cuenta con mayor anticipación y respaldo legal de la Corte Suprema.

Los países prohibidos incluyen: Afganistán, Birmania, Chad, República del Congo, Guinea Ecuatorial, Eritrea, Haití, Irán, Libia, Somalia, Sudán y Yemen.

Los países que enfrentan nuevas restricciones incluyen: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leona, Togo, Turkmenistán y Venezuela.

En NSLAC, apoyamos a las comunidades inmigrantes y seguiremos monitoreando y respondiendo a políticas que impactan a las personas a las que servimos.

Travel Ban

President Trump Announces Travel Ban for 12 Countries

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President Trump has reinstated a controversial travel ban, restricting entry to the U.S. for citizens of 12 countries and placing heightened restrictions on 7 more. This policy, taking effect Monday, echoes the 2017 ban but comes with more advance notice and legal backing from the Supreme Court.
Countries banned include: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Countries facing new restrictions include: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
At NSLAC, we stand with immigrants and will continue to monitor and respond to policies that impact the communities we serve.
parole humanitario

Actualización sobre el Parole Humanitario para Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti y Nicaragua

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Actualización sobre el Parole Humanitario: El 30 de mayo de 2025, la Corte Suprema de los EE. UU. anuló una orden de un tribunal inferior que había mantenido protecciones temporales de permiso humanitario para más de 500,000 inmigrantes de Cuba, Haití, Nicaragua y Venezuela. Esto se suma a una decisión separada que permite la revocación de protecciones legales para 350,000 migrantes venezolanos.

Con este nuevo decisión, casi un millón de personas podrían ahora enfrentar la deportación. Aunque la Corte no ofreció una justificación, dos jueces emitieron disensos públicos.

En NSLAC, seguimos comprometidos a brindar información legal precisa y apoyar a nuestras comunidades inmigrantes. Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita asistencia legal en temas de inmigración, vivienda o violencia doméstica, llame al 847-737-4042 o escriba a info@nslegalaid.org.

Humanitarian Parole Update- Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela

Humanitarian Parole Update 2025

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Actualización sobre el Permiso Humanitario: El 12 de junio de 2025, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional anunció el fin del parole humanitario y los permisos de trabajo para muchos migrantes de Cuba, Haití, Nicaragua y Venezuela, dejando a miles de personas con incertidumbre sobre su futuro.

Con esta nueva decisión, casi un millón de personas podrían ahora enfrentar la deportación.

En NSLAC, seguimos comprometidos a brindar información legal precisa y a apoyar a nuestras comunidades inmigrantes. Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita ayuda legal en temas de inmigración, vivienda o violencia doméstica, por favor llame al 847-737-4042 o escriba a info@nslegalaid.org.

Venezuelan TPS 2025

Venezuelan TPS Update May 2025

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Venezuelan TPS Update May 2025: The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the federal government to move forward—for now—with ending TPS protections for approximately 350,000 Venezuelan migrants, pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings. This decision lifts a lower court's injunction that had temporarily blocked the move, creating new uncertainty for many families.

At NSLAC, we know how frightening and confusing legal developments like this can be. We are here as a trusted resource for immigrants in our community. If you or someone you know has questions, please be in touch with NSLAC at 847 737 4042 or info@NSLegalAid.org. We are proud to serve north suburban Cook County and Lake County, IL.
TPS para venezolanos

Actualización del TPS Venezolano Mayo 2025

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Actualización sobre el TPS venezolano – Marzo de 2025: La Corte Suprema de EE. UU. ha permitido al gobierno federal avanzar—por ahora—con la eliminación de las protecciones del Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS) para aproximadamente 350,000 migrantes venezolanos, mientras continúan los procedimientos legales. Esta decisión levanta una orden de un tribunal inferior que había bloqueado temporalmente la medida, generando nueva incertidumbre para muchas familias.

En NSLAC, entendemos lo aterrador y confuso que pueden ser estos cambios legales. Estamos aquí como un recurso confiable para los inmigrantes en nuestra comunidad. Si usted o alguien que conoce tiene preguntas, comuníquese con NSLAC al 847-737-4042 o info@NSLegalAid.org. Nos enorgullece servir a los residentes del norte del condado de Cook y del condado de Lake, IL.

Advertencia de Viaje

Advertencia de Viaje para No Ciudadanos: Lo Que Debe Saber Antes de Salir de los EE. UU.

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Advertencia de Viaje: Debido al aumento en la vigilancia y los controles estrictos en los puertos de entrada de Estados Unidos, le recomendamos firmemente a toda persona no ciudadana que evite viajar al extranjero en este momento. Esto incluye viajes hacia y desde México, Canadá, e incluso a los territorios de los EE. UU.

Aunque usted tenga documentos válidos, muchas personas están enfrentando demoras inesperadas, interrogatorios extensos, e incluso negaciones de reingreso a los Estados Unidos. Si está considerando viajar, esto es lo que debe saber:

¿Quién Debe Tener Precaución?

Las personas no ciudadanas con mayor riesgo incluyen:

  • Residentes permanentes legales (titulares de la “green card”)

  • Personas con DACA

  • Solicitantes de asilo

  • Titulares de visas (turismo, estudios, trabajo, etc.)

  • Personas con un caso o solicitud migratoria pendiente

¿Por Qué Esto Es Importante?

El reingreso a los EE. UU. no está garantizado—aun con documentos válidos. Se han reportado:

  • Demoras más prolongadas

  • Aumento en inspecciones secundarias

  • Más personas siendo rechazadas en los puertos de entrada

Un error o malentendido puede poner en riesgo su estatus migratorio.

¿Qué Puede Hacer?

Si viajar es absolutamente necesario, puede reducir el riesgo de la siguiente manera:

  • Consulte con un abogado de inmigración antes de hacer cualquier plan de viaje.

  • Lleve siempre consigo prueba de su estatus legal.

  • Prepare sus documentos con cuidado y conozca sus derechos en la frontera.

Ayuda Migratoria Gratuita

NSLAC ofrece asistencia legal gratuita a residentes elegibles del condado de Lake y del norte del condado de Cook. Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita ayuda con un asunto migratorio, por favor escriba a info@nslegalaid.org o llame al 847-737-4042 para programar una consulta confidencial. Proteja su estatus. Manténgase informado. No viaje a menos que sea absolutamente necesario.

Travel Warning for non-citizens

Travel Warning for Non-Citizens: What You Need to Know Before Leaving the U.S. 

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Travel Warning: Due to increased scrutiny and extreme vetting at U.S. ports of entry, we urge all non-citizens to avoid international travel at this time. This includes travel to and from Mexico, Canada, and even U.S. territories. 

While it might seem safe to travel with valid documentation, many travelers are being met with unexpected delays, questioning, and even denial of re-entry into the United States. If you're thinking about traveling, here’s what you need to know: 

Who Should Take Extra Caution? 

Non-citizens most at risk include: 

  • Green card holders (Lawful Permanent Residents) 
  • DACA recipients 
  • Visa holders (including tourist, student, and work visas) 
  • Anyone with a pending immigration case or application 

Why This Matters 

Re-entry into the U.S. is not guaranteed—even if you have valid documents. Travelers are reporting: 

  • Longer delays 
  • Increased secondary inspections 
  • Rising numbers of people being turned away at ports of entry 

One mistake or misunderstanding could put your status in jeopardy. 

What You Can Do 

If you absolutely must travel, here’s how to reduce your risk: 

  • Talk to an immigration attorney before making any travel plans. 
  • Carry proof of your legal status with you at all times. 
  • Prepare your documents carefully and know your rights at the border. 

Free Immigration Help 

NSLAC provides free legal aid to qualifying residents of Lake County and north suburban Cook County. If you or someone you know needs immigration help, please email info@nslegalaid.org or call 847-737-4042 to schedule a confidential consultation. Protect your status. Stay informed. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.