Category Archives: Front Page-Updates

VAWA Will Be On The US Senate Floor This Month

Posted on

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was signed 25 years ago. The law changed the conversation about domestic violence as millions of Americans took gender-based violence seriously. It is also is credited for a dramatic decrease in the rate of domestic violence in the United States.

In April, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 1585, the bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. Now it is time for the U.S. Senate to vote. They need to hear from you. Please tell them to VOTE YES.

This bill continues the critical programs that have helped reduce domestic violence and sexual assault over the last 25 years, and adds new programs focused on preventing violence, helping children and youth exposed to violence, and doing more to help victims from vulnerable communities impacted by these crimes. Reauthorization is critical especially with a new provision that is aimed at curbing sexual violence by expanding law enforcement’s ability to strip domestic abusers of their guns. This new language is especially important, even if it saves one life.

At the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, we provide access to justice to women who live in fear and danger. VAWA gives them crucial legal protections that they deserve. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is just around the corner in October. The timing is right for the U.S. Senate to follow the U.S. House’s lead and reauthorize VAWA with critical enhancements and no rollbacks.

Statement on Parole in Place Program

Posted on

Credible sources have reported that US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may be dramatically limiting or terminating a program benefiting families of U.S. military service members. The Parole in Place program, which allows certain military family members to pursue lawful permanent resident status within the United States rather than abroad, is an exceptionally important program because it reduces some of the risks involved with pursuing lawful permanent resident status and alleviates the stress to our servicewomen and servicemen.

If you believe that you or a family member may be eligible for Parole in Place, please be in touch with the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic at info@NorthSuburbanLegalAid.org or 847 737 4042.

Fuentes creíbles han reportado que U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) podría limitar dramáticamente o terminar un programa beneficiando familias de miembros en el servicio militar de los EE.UU. El programa de Permiso de Permanencia en el País (Parole in Place), que permite ciertos familiares de militares solicitar estatus legal permanente dentro de los Estados Unidos en vez de en el extranjero, es sumamente importante porque reduce algunos de los riesgos involucrados en solicitar estatus legal permanente y alivia el estrés a nuestros miembros del servicio militar.

Si cree que usted o un familiar podría ser elegible para un Permiso de Permanencia en el País, por favor comuníquese con la Clínica de Ayuda Legal North Suburban al info@nslegalaid.org o 847 737 4042.

Statement on Proposed Nationwide Series of Deportation Raids

Posted on

Clinic stands in support of immigrants and urges individuals and families to be prepared and Know Your Rights

The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (the Clinic) has issued the following statement with regard to a potential nationwide series of deportation raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):

The potential ICE raids have the immigrant community and allies frightened and angry. Like other immigration organizations, the Clinic condemns the Trump Administration’s threats. It is troubling for ICE to target individuals and families that are seeking refuge from persecution and unsafe conditions in their home countries. ICE raids destabilize families, neighborhoods, and communities. They hurt innocent people and create distrust of law enforcement and other officials.

The Clinic respects and values the contributions of immigrants. We urge individuals and families to prepare a safety plan in advance and know your rights in the event of an ICE raid. The Clinic is committed to assisting with preparation and will fight diligently to protect those affected.

The Clinic is a trusted source of information and will continue to keep the public informed.
Frequently asked questions, preparation directions, and ‘Know Your Rights’ information is available at www.NSLegalAid.org. Clinic staff and volunteer attorneys are available to answer questions and provide individual consultation Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Appointments may be made by calling 847-737-4042 or via email at info@NSLegalAid.org.

On June 21, 2019, news of a proposed nationwide series of deportation raids surfaced. Credible sources indicated that the Chicagoland area was a target for the operation, which was expected to target families, young adults who entered the United States as unaccompanied children, and migrant families who had received deportation orders. On June 22, 2019, the ICE raids were delayed for approximately two weeks. President Trump tweeted saying he halted the plan for two weeks so that Democrats and Republicans can attempt to find solutions to immigration issues.

Download and Share Flyers

6/6/2019: Statement on Proposed HUD Rule

Posted on

The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic Statement on Proposed HUD Rule

On May 10, 2019, Housing and Urban Development proposed a rule that would change their current policy and prohibit mixed immigration status families (even those who are of legal status with documentation) from living in public and other subsidized housing. The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (the Clinic) opposes the proposed HUD rule.

As a nation, we must not turn our back on those in need of fair housing, especially children and those seeking to unite with their families who are legally living in our country. We concur with the findings that it would force more than 25,000 mixed status families in public housing and Section 8 programs to separate or face eviction. Over 108,000 individuals may be affected by this rule, 70% of them lawful residents/citizens, and 55,000 of them are United States citizen (USC) children. This proposed rule could be devastating and flies in the face of the intention of HUD, increases costs to the agency and ultimately the public. This is an attack on our immigrant families and would exacerbate the housing crisis facing our nation.

We encourage the public to join the Clinic in opposing the proposed HUD rule. Public comment is open until July 9. Electronic submission of comments may be made through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Commenters should follow instructions provided on the site.