Advocacy

Speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves, HIAS Chicago actively advocates for the rights of refugees and immigrants on national, state, and local levels, and educates the public about the benefits immigrants bring to our community. The agency plays a key role representing immigration issues and the needs of our clients in collaboration with such local and national organizations as the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, the National Immigrant Justice Center, the National Immigration Forum, the SSI Coalition for a Responsible Safety Net and the local chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. 


The agency’s staff and Board of Directors are active participants in the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago’s state and federal lobbying missions, representing refugee and immigrant issues.

HIAS Chicago works diligently to maintain a professional and credible relationship with the Chicago District of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and its staff. These important liaisons help keep the communication channels open and allow for effective client advocacy and problem solving.

For our client community, HIAS Chicago provides community outreach on citizenship and immigration related information through regular radio presentations that are provided on three Russian language radio stations, and through periodic columns in Russian language newspapers, providing pertinent information regarding citizenship and other immigration matters. 

Regular community outreach meetings are conducted in English, Russian and Spanish language, as requested by the community or when pertinent immigration issues arise. Check our monthly calendar for current events in your community.