1. In-state Tuition: Yes, in 2003 a bill was passed granting in-state tuition to undocumented students. For more information on attending college in Illinois, check out this very helpful guide:
- A Guide for Undocumented Students (PDF file)
2. Drivers License: Yes and no. Do you have a valid Social Security Number? If so, and you can prove Illinois residency then it is possible to get a drivers license and/or state ID card. However, if you don’t have a valid SSN then you are out of luck. To get a license you have to provide
- proof of your signature (i.e. a canceled check);
- proof of your birthday (i.e. birth certificate);
- proof of SSN (i.e. Social Security Card); and lastly
- proof of residency (i.e. utility bill / lease).
Can you meet ALL of the above four requirements? If the answer is no then you do not qualify for an Illinois Drivers License and/or State ID.
Please visit the DMV website for more information.
3. Scholarship/Funding: Undocumented students are able to apply for private scholarships. Visit MALDEF for a list of scholarships that do not require proof of citizenship, legal residency, or a social security number.
4. Pending Legislation: Please visit the Illinois General Assembly website to search for individual bills/legislation. Please contact the relevant student representatives and immigrant rights coalitions to find out what you can do in to help out in Illinois.
- Illinois HB 1743 (Signed 8/13/2007) This law relates to immigrant employment eligibility verification of social security numbers and Homeland Security databases. It provides for the regulations of civil rights violations for an employer participating in the Basic Pilot Program and prohibits discrimination on the basis of citizenship.
- Illinois HJR 27 (5/22/07) This resolution expresses opposition to the REAL ID Act and asks that it be repealed.
5. US Representatives:
Bean, Melissa L. (D)- 8th District
- Not a past co-sponsor to DREAM;
- “Giffords said Bean emphasized the importance of “voting your district” over the party line, which for Giffords meant voting with Republicans on several get-tough-on-illegal-immigrants measures. (The NRCC has criticized her on other immigration votes.)”
Jackson Jr., Jesse L. (D) – 2nd District
Hare, Phil (D) – 17th District
Manzullo, Donald (R) – 16th District
Roskam, Peter J (R) – 6th District
Foster, Bill (D) – 14th District
Schakowsky, Jan (D) – 9th District
Kirk, Mark Steven (R) – 10th District
Rush, Bobby L. (D) – 1st District
Davis, Danny K. (D) – 7th District
Shimkus, John (R) – 19th District
Quigley, Mike (D)- 5th District
Costello, Jerry F. (D) – 12th District
Johnson, Timothy V. (R) – 15th District
Lipinski, Daniel (D) – 3rd District
Biggert, Judy (R) – 13th District
Gutierrez, Luis V. (D) – 4th District
Halvorson, Debbie (D)- 11th District
Schock, Aaron (R)- 18th District
6. US Senators:
- Richard Durbin: Definite SUPPORTER! (& DREAM Act sponsor!)
7. Governor:
8. DREAM / Immigration Organizations:
Centro Sin Fronteras
2300 S. Blue Island
Chicago, IL 60623
Main: (773)523-8261
Fax: (773)523-8109
Main@somosunpueblo.com
http://www.somosunpueblo.com/
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
55 E. Jackson Blvd, Suite 2075
Chicago, IL 60604
phone: 312-332-7360
fax: 312-332-7044
Outreach and Interpretation Program (O&I)
(312) 332-7360
Email: Info@icirr.org
O&I Project Director: Ahlam Jbara, ajbara@icirr.org
This project is a partnership between IDHS and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. This site provides a list of helpful directories and materials on refugee and immigrant laws, citizenship, and ESL information.
IDHS Hispanic and Latino Affairs
Agueda Corona, Director
(312) 793-4306
Provides translation services in 41 languages without charge to other DHS agencies & also assists DHS-funded providers in emergency situations without charge.
Also provides an Immigration Services Directory.
Heartland Alliance
Website: www.heartlandalliance.org
Midwest Immigrant and Human Rights Center (MIHRC)
208 S. La Salle St.
Suite 1818
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 660-1370
http://www.immigrantjustice.org/
Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) promotes human rights and access to justice for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through legal services, policy reform, impact litigation, and public education. NIJC blends individual client advocacy with efforts to promote broad-based systemic change. The organization’s comprehensive programs—focusing on asylum, immigrant detention, unaccompanied immigrant children, human trafficking, LGBT immigration, and victims of domestic violence—set national precedents for protecting human rights within U.S. borders while seeking fair and humane reform of the current U.S. immigration system.
The Immigration Project
510 E. Washington St., Suite 318
PO BOX 3065, Bloomington IL 61702
email: info@immigrationproject.org
The Immigration Project provides free or low cost legal assistance in English and Spanish to refugees and immigrants. It is located in Central and Southern Illinois.
Coalition of African, Arab, Asian, European & Latino Immigrants of Illinois
(CAAAELII)
CAAAELII is a coalition of 39 member organizations that offers ESL, computer, and leadership trainings to more than 21 communities in the Chicago area.
For a more complete list of resources, please visit here.
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