chicago new residents resource guide richard m. daley, mayor

152 Pages·2010·1.13 MB·English

BACKSIDE OF BACK INSIDE FLAP
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IMMIGRANT SERvICES Citizenship/ English as a Second Language (ESL) / SpORTS AND RECREATION Gymnasiums and Recreational Centers/ Fitness
Immigrant-specific services/ Refugee-specific services/ Immigration detainee programs/ After-school programs/ Summer programs/ Youth and adult sports
YOU HAVE RIGHTS qservices/ Resources for asylum-seekers/ Family reunification cleagues
YOU HAVE RIGHTS UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW
Documented and Undocumented Immigrants Have This is a marvelously useful guide for new and
Several international treaties give protcection to immigrants, including the
United Nations Declaration on Human Rights, the International Convention on Protection Under U.S. and International Laws seasoned Chicago residents alike. Organized by EDUCATION Day care/ Head Start/ Pre-kindergarten/ Secondary HOUSING Rental assistance/ Housing referrals/ Public and low-income
the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the International Covenant (cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:87)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:0)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:89)(cid:13)(cid:84)(cid:79)(cid:13)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:65)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:83)(cid:12)(cid:0)(cid:89)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:0)(cid:87)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:0)(cid:108)(cid:78)(cid:68) (kindergarten through 12th grade)/ Post-secondary (community college/ colleges housing referrals/ Co-op housing/ Homeowner educational workshops/ Building
on Civil and Political Rights, and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. If the police, FBI, or immigration authorities stop or detain you: vital information about how to navigate the cityói ts and universities)/ College application and scholarship help/ Youth mentoring code information/ Counseling for tenant/landlord disputes/ Foster care/
These treaties give you the right to: DO tell them if you have children at home who need your care. In raids in other public transportation, the public school system, and development/ After-school programs/ Summer programs/ Adult education/ mHomeless shelters
parts of the country, parents of young children were less likely to be detained. (cid:89)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:0)(cid:77)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:73)(cid:80)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:0)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:108)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:12)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:0) Vocational training/ Computer/technology training / Literacy programs/ GED
—Know why you are being arrested DO NOT respond to any other questions before speaking with a lawyer. directories to Chicagoís abundant ethnic, cultural, and C npreperation/ Community education/ Advocacy and community development LEGAL SERvICES Attorney referrals/ Immigrant-specific legal services/
H
—Speak to a lawyer Say, “I wish to talk to a lawyer.” civic offerings. And donít forget your practical ìKnow I Pro bono or low-cost legal aid/ Court advocacy services/ Civil rights protection/
C
—Be given the time and resources to prepare your court case DO ask to speak with a lawyer. Immigration authorities should give you a list of Your Rightsî Card included inside, so you will always A LGBT LGBT-friendly health care/ Resources for transgender individuals/ tConsumer fraud protection
G
—Have a day in court in front of a judge low-cost and free legal services in your ares. be prepared. O uResources for LGBT youth/ LGBT community centers/ LGBT advocacy groups
—Be treated humanely, no matter your race, nationality, or religion DO NOT sign anything before speaking with a lawyer. N ARTS AND CULTURE Visual arts/ Music/ Theater/ Dance/ Poetry/spoken
E
—Speak to your home country’s counsulate DO NOT allow anyone to enter your home unless they have a court order. No Chicagoan, new or native, should be without this W fINANCIAL SERvICES Insurance services/ Credit counseling/ Mortgage word/ Museums and cultural institutions/ Ethnic celebrations and events/
DO ask to see a judge. book! R eservices/ Loan services/ General financial counseling/ Help with filing taxes Community events/ Community education and development
YOU HAVE RIGHTS UNDER U.S. LAW DO ask to speak with someone from your home country’s consulate (unless you E l
S
U.S. immigration law says that you have a right to see a lawyer, but you must have a fear of being in your home country). All of the information in this book is available online ID HEALTH AND HUMAN SERvICES Medical care/ Mental health care/ Disability-
find and pay for one yourself. You may be able to find a lawyer to help you free E GOvERNMENT SERvICES Public assistance (cash/ food stamps/ etc.)/
(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:77)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:0)(cid:87)(cid:69)(cid:66)(cid:83)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:12)(cid:0)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:72)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:0)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:0)(cid:108)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:13) N specific care Preventative care/ Dentistry/ Eye care/ Elder care/ Reproductive
of charge. Ask an immigration officer for a list of legal service providers. Licenses and permits (marriage license/ driver’s license/ etc.)/ Public
The National Immigrant Justice Center provides low-cost and free legal hand stories, essays, and spoken word poems about TS and sexual health/ Domestic Violence prevention/ Women’s health/ Harm transportation/ Law enforcement/ Filing official complaints
services to immigrants. Keep these phone numbers, along with your A number, immigrant experience here R reduction/ Substance abuse treatment/ HIV/AIDS counseling and treatment/ h
YOU HAVE RIGHTS UNDER U.S. DETENTION with you at all times. in Chicago, one of the most diverse and global cities ES Fitness programs/ Nutritional counseling Financial support for basic needs/
STANDARDS If you are detained call, call collect [phone] in the world. OU iFoster care/ Homeless shelters/ Accessing public benefits/ Support groups EMpLOYMENT SERvICES Job training/ Job placement/ Resume workshops/
If you are not detained, call [phone] R Career development services/ Workers’ Centers/ Union organizing/ Job
While these standards are not part of U.S. law, they serve as guidelines for the
staff of jails and detention centers where immigrants are detained. According to immigrantcitychicago.hullhouse.uic.edu CE EMERGENCY Emergency medical care/ Emergency shelter/ food/ and discrimination assistance/Unemployment assistance
these standards if you are detained: G f
clothing/ Emergency police and fire department/ Rape Crisis center/ Domestic
U
——YTohue sdheoteunldti ohna vcee natcecre sosr jtaoi la s whoourkldin pgr otevliedpeh ao nliest s oof ypohuo ncaen n cuamllb ae rlas wyoyeur .c an IDE RICHARD M. DALEY, MAYOR pVseiorlveinceces/ c eEnmteerrg/e Enmcye rfgaemniclyy smeervnitcaels health services/ Emergency substance abuse aSERvES WOMEN AND GIRLS ONLY
call to obtain affordable legal services.
—The detention center or jail also should provide books about immigration law rSERvES MEN AND BOYS ONLY
CHICAGO COMMISSION ON HUMAN RELATIONS MEDIA
so that you can do research for your case.
—You should have access to physical and mental health care. JANE ADDAMS HULL–HOUSE MUSEUM, COLLEGE Of ARCHITECTURE oLocal ethnic-specific and foreign language media g SERvICES AvAILABLE fOR pEOpLE WITH DISABILITIES
AND THE ARTS UNIvERSITY Of ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
fOOD Food pantry/ Food co-op/ Farmer’s markets/ Community gardens/
sSERvICES AvAILABLE fOR SENIORS
Free or reduced-cost meals
SERvICES AvAILABLE fOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
CITY OF CHICAGO NEW RESIDENT'S GUIDE
immigrantcitychicago.hullhouse.uic.edu
CITY OF CHICAGO NEW RESIDENT'S GUIDE
immigrantcitychicago.hullhouse.uic.edu
The Freedom to copy and share the work with others ©

——MESSAGE FROM MAYOR ——WElCOME TO CHICAGO
RICHARD M. DAlEY
The City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council
Dear New Resident: on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs is pleased to present the 2010–2011
As Mayor and on behalf of the City of edition of the Chicago New Residents Resource Guide. The purpose of
Chicago, it gives me great pleasure to this publication is to make pertinent information available and contribute
welcome you to our city. to the smooth adjustment of immigrants and refugees to life in Chicago.
Chicago’s past and present have The Guide comprises many articles and an extensive list of public and
been shaped by immigrants and refugees private resources. The articles provide general information about a wide
who came from around the world. These spectrum of topics, including the legal system, housing, health, community
determined men and women dedicated services, employment, education, and consumer protection. The Resource
themselves to improving the quality of Listings section provides names and telephone numbers, addresses, and
life for their families and the community websites (where available) of governmental, non‑governmental, and
at large. Your arrival continues this community‑based service providers that offer services to immigrants
proud tradition and I have no doubt and refugees, either for free or for low fees. Included in the listings are
that you bring the same energy and optimism to Chicago as did your ethnic community‑based organizations and Consulate General offices.
predecessors. In preparing this edition, special attention was given to designing the
Our city government takes pride in its long‑standing tradition of Guide to be user‑friendly, covering the issues and topics that are most
welcoming and embracing immigrants and refugees. In keeping with that pertinent, and ensuring that the resource listings are reflective of the
tradition, the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council diversity of Chicago’s immigrant and refugee community. The end result,
on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs has been working diligently to maintain we hope, is that the intended beneficiaries of the Guide—immigrants
and foster a welcoming climate for our new arrivals. Among many other and refugees, especially newcomers—will find it an informative and
activities, this office conducts education and outreach programs including empowering tool in their quest for a new and better life in Chicago.
the publication of the Chicago New Residents Resource Guidebook. Despite our best intention and efforts, we may have omitted certain
I commend the partnership between the Advisory Council and organizations from this edition. If your organization was omitted and you
the Jane Addams Hull‑House Museum in redesigning, publishing, and feel that it is appropriate for inclusion in future editions of the Guide,
distributing the Guidebook. Such partnership exemplifies public‑private or should you find any inaccuracies in your organization’s listing, please
sector collaboration and stands to contribute to the quality and quantity forward us your changes, suggestions, or comments by completing the
of public service for all citizens. Update Form which is included in the back of the Guide. You may also
I hope you will find this Guidebook to be a source of useful information contact us at 312‑744‑1098 (voice) or 312‑744‑1088 (TTY).
as you build your new life in Chicago. May your new future be filled with
Edwin Silverman, Ph.D., Chair
health, happiness, and prosperity.
Hayelom Ayele, Director/CommunityLiaison
Advisory Council on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
Best wishes, Richard M. Daley
Mayor
City of Chicago
——MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN ——ACkNOWlEDGMENTS
DANA V. STARkS
The successful completion of this project would not have been possible
Dear Friend in Human Relations: without the guidance and support of the members of the Chicago
As Chairman and on behalf of the Chicago Commission on Human Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Immigrant & Refugee
Relations (CCHR), it gives me great pleasure to express best wishes to all Affairs. In particular, Council Chair Edwin Silverman and the Education and
immigrants and refugees who have chosen our city as their new home. Outreach Committee members Hussein Affey and Bindi Desai‑Lessing
The CCHR enforces the City’s anti‑discrimination laws—The Chicago deserve our heartfelt thanks for their contribution to the Guide.
Human Rights and Fair Housing Ordinances (CHRFHO)—and strives Thanks also to First Deputy Commissioner Kenneth Gunn for his
through legal and educational means to create a bias‑free society. The guidance and support for this project. Iris Archilla, Joanne Newsome and
CHRFHO prohibit discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, William Greaves of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations have been
public accommodation, credit, and bonding. It is unlawful to discriminate of great assistance in reviewing and critiquing the first draft of the Guide.
against any person because of his/her race, color, sex, age, religion, Special thanks to Makeysha Durham‑Diouf, Uraidah Hassani, and
disability (including HIV/AIDS positive status), national origin, ancestry, James Muhammad, who gave immeasurable amounts of volunteer time
sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, and expertise. Their dedicated efforts have ensured a comprehensive list
military discharge status, or source of income. of resources and up‑to‑date information.
As mandated by the City’s Hate Crimes Law, the Commission assists And finally, thanks to our partner agency, the Jane Addams Hull‑
hate crime victims. A hate crime is a criminal offense against a person House Museum at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and its fine staff,
that is motivated by the victim’s race, color, gender, religion, national without whose generous financial support and expertise the successful
origin, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, or disability. Such a crime is a completion of this project would not have been possible.
felony (a very serious offense).
The CCHR also sponsors programs and activities that reduce bias
and promote positive intergroup relations. These programs and activities
bring people together across racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious lines
and promote positive awareness of diversity. This Guide is intended
to contribute toward that end; and it is our hope that immigrants and
refugees (especially recent arrivals), social service providers, and others
will find it useful and informative.
We look forward to being of service to you as you establish a new
life in our city.
Dana V. Starks
Chairman and Commissioner
Chicago Commission on Human Relations
——MESSAGE FROM JANE ADDAMS
House Settlement that transformed the United States into a more socially
HUll-HOUSE MUSEUM
just and democratic country in the early 1900’s.
The Jane Addams Hull‑House Museum is a proud partner of this resource The Hull‑House Settlement was situated at Halsted and Polk Streets,
guide and the accompanying website, www.abcdefg.org, which is filled and much of its success as a boldly visionary public space, a laboratory
with personal stories, essays, poetry and first‑person accounts of what for democracy and engine for social change, is due to the fact that the
it means to immigrate, migrate and to take refuge in Chicago, one of the communities surrounding Hull‑House were populated with the most
most diverse and cosmopolitan cities of the world. recent immigrants to the United States. Over two‑dozen ethnic groups
We encourage you to use this guide to partake of everything Chicago lived near the Hull‑House and community members attended reading
has to offer. And in the spirit of Hull‑House’s commitment to the democracy, clubs, language classes, citizenship classes, sex‑education classes,
diversity and inclusivity that animate this book, we also acknowledge that poetry readings, music performances, as well as ethnic theater. Hull‑
new immigrants profoundly contribute in an inestimable way to the life House modeled a new kind of citizenship and patriotism.
of our dynamic city. Jane Addams and her group of Hull‑House reformers opposed
Each chapter of this book provides critical information for any new immigration restriction and the quota system, and they also opposed
resident to the city. Not only will you find information about how to obtain Americanization programs that attempted to wipe away cultural
affordable housing, locate hospitals for health care, navigate the Chicago traditions of immigrants. They cared deeply about the welfare of new
Transit Authority, and learn how to register your kids for public schools, immigrants and of all people. The fight for immigrants’ rights included
but you will also discover a Know Your Rights Card from the American advocating for fair labor practices, public housing and health regulations,
Civil Liberties Union, find information specific to immigrant’s rights from educational reform and justice reform that benefited all of us. This book
the National Center for Immigrant Justice, learn how to get a library card and the accompanying website champion the idea that immigration is not
so you can check out a free book at a local Chicago Public Library, locate a challenge to our democracy, as it is sometimes portrayed, or a problem
the closest fresh green market for local vegetables, and find listings for that needs to be addressed, rather immigration can and should realize
ethnic museums and cultural organizations. This book will make it easier the ideals of democracy‑ equality, diversity, and inclusivity.
for you to participate in the artistic and cultural aspects of urban life and This book would not have been possible without the tireless work of
become civically engaged. Margot Nikitas, who became a passionate immigration activist and project
The Jane Addams Hull‑House Museum expresses its solidarity with coordinator at the Museum, the team of designers who contributed to the
immigrants to this city by co‑funding/co‑publishing? this resource guide democratic design of the book including Benjamin Thorp, Sarah Higgins,
and its accompanying website. We invite you to visit the Museum, which under the leadership of Jonathan Krohn, and the visionary Marcia Lausen.
is a national historic landmark, located at 800 South Halsted Street in We also thank the Boeing Corporation for their support that made this
two of the original Hull‑House Settlement buildings. We celebrate and resource book and the website possible, and their commitment to
interpret the history of Jane Addams, America’s first woman to win promoting civic life in Chicago.
the Nobel Peace Prize, and the work of the reformers and community
members who participated in the programs and activities of the Hull‑ Lisa Yun Lee
Director, Jane Addams Hull‑House Museum
TAblE OF CONTENTS
17 Becoming a U.S. Citizen 69 Ethnic Organizations
Benefits of Citizenship | Citizen Requirements | Applying Asian Community‑Based Organizations | African Community‑
for Citizenship Based | European Community‑Based organizations
Latino Community‑Based organizations | Middle Eastern
23 Consumer Protection
Community‑Based Organizations
Becoming an Educated Consumer
91 Listings
31 Know Your Government Hospitals | Museums & Cultural Institutions | Farmers

Elected Officials | The City of Chicago Markets/Food Co‑ops | Consulates
Anti‑Discrimination Laws

39 Community Services ORGANIzATIONS bY REGIONS

45 Chicago 101 Central
Important Symbols | Geography | Physical Layout

Climate | Hot Weather Tips | Cold Weather Tips 155 North
49 Health Services 193 Northwest
53 Education 205 South
57 Housing 233 Southwest
61 Employment 243 Suburbs/Other
65 Chicago Neighborhood Map 255 West
67 CTA MAP
Becoming a
When you become a citizen, you accept all of the responsibilities of being
an American. In return, you get the rights and privileges of citizenship.
U.S. Citizen
——CITIzENSHIp REqUIREMENTS

In order to become a U.S. citizen, you must meet certain requirements.
You must:
Acquiring U.S. citizenship is the ultimate goal of everyone who has chosen — Be at least 18‑years‑old;
the United States of America as her or his new country. The process of — Have lived in the U.S. as a legal permanent resident for at least five
becoming a U.S. citizen is called “naturalization.” years, or three years if permanent residency was obtained through
marriage to a U.S. citizen;
——bENEFITS OF CITIzENSHIp
— Be of good moral character. For example, you must have paid your
taxes on time and not have been convicted of a serious crime. If any
The Right to Vote criminal record exists, please consult a lawyer or local community
organization before filing your citizenship application;
Citizenship gives you the right to vote in local, state, and national elections. — Males between the ages of 18 and 26‑years‑old must register for the
Voting allows you to choose your representatives in government. You Selective Service System. (To check if you have registered or to get your
must register to vote at least one month before any election. Voter Selective Service registration number, call 1‑847‑688‑6888);
registration forms are available at your swearing‑in ceremony or at any — Demonstrate that you have knowledge and understanding of U.S.
post office or library. history and civics. Visit or call your local community organization for
more information about the standardized naturalization exam. Free or
Greater Freedom to Travel and Sponsor a Relative low‑cost citizenship classes and citizenship applications are available
through organizations listed in this Guidebook.
As a citizen, you will be able to leave the U.S. anytime and for as long as
you like and then return without restrictions. To travel outside the U.S.,
you must obtain a passport. You can also apply to bring close relatives
such as your spouse, children, parents, brothers, and sisters to the
United States as legal permanent residents.
To become a citizen, you must be willing to swear your loyalty to the
United States. You must agree to support and defend the U.S. Constitution.
CITY OF CHICAGO NEW RESIDENTS GUIDE 17 CITY OF CHICAGO NEW RESIDENTS GUIDE 18
——ApplYING FOR CITIzENSHIp
Step Three: Waiting Period/Study U.S. History and Civics and Prepare for
an Interview
Step One: Fill Out N‑400 Application There is a considerable waiting period before the USCIS can schedule
you for an interview. It is important that you use this period to study
Fill out an N‑400 application from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration U.S. history and civics in preparation for your interview. A community
Services (USCIS). You can receive the form in one of the following ways: organization can refer you to a free or low‑cost Citizenship class in your
area. For more information, contact your community organization or
— Visit a local Community Organization; see the citizenship & ESL service column under “Type of Service” in the
— Call USCIS Forms Request Line at 1‑800‑870‑3676 (in English and “Quick Reference to Service Providers” section of this Guidebook.
Spanish);
— Visit a local Chicago Public Library; The USCIS officer will ask you questions about U.S. history and
— Log on to the USCIS Website, www.uscis.gov government from the list of U.S. history and civics questions. You will
then be asked to demonstrate a basic knowledge of English by writing a
few short sentences dictated by the examining USCIS officer. This review
Once the form is completed, send it to the USCIS (see Form N‑400 for also allows the examiner to see if you can speak and understand basic
mailing address) along with: English. When you come for your interview, you will need to provide
applicable documents such as a certificate of marriage, divorce, or death
— A copy of your Alien Registration Card (Green Card); of a spouse; dates of any travel in and out of the U.S.; and your income
— Applicable fees in the amount as specified in the N‑400 instruction tax returns.
sheet;
— Photographs as specified in the N‑400 application. Exceptions to the English Language Requirement
Depending on your age and length of residency, you may be exempt from
the English language requirement. This means that you can take the civics
Step Two: Have Fingerprints Taken examination in your native language if you are 50‑years‑old with at least
After you send the completed packet to the USCIS, you will receive 20 years as a legal permanent resident, or if you are 55‑years‑old with
an appointment notice for your fingerprints to be taken digitally at an 15 years as a legal permanent resident. In these cases, you may have an
Application Support Center. You must bring the notice to the USCIS interpreter present during your interview. If you are at least 65‑years‑
fingerprint facility, along with a valid identification card. Once your old and have been a U.S. resident for 20 years, you will be given special
fingerprints are taken, USCIS submits them to the Federal Bureau of consideration in the degree of difficulty of the questions asked.
Investigation (FBI) for processing.
CITY OF CHICAGO NEW RESIDENTS GUIDE 19 CITY OF CHICAGO NEW RESIDENTS GUIDE 20