Know Your Rights & Get Help: TRP’s Latest Immigration Update on Legal Services
Be Prepared and Stay Protected — August 2025
Last week, during our bi-weekly livestream, we shared more information about the Immigrant Legal Support Program (ILSP) — a statewide network of workshops offering free legal screenings and application assistance for immigrant communities across Illinois.
The update featured TRP’s Samantha, Senior Program Manager, and Peter, Managing Attorney, who walked through what services are available, how to register, and why these workshops are so important for anyone navigating immigration challenges. Watch the video and read the recap below.
What Is the Immigrant Legal Support Program (ILSP)?
ILSP is a statewide network of free legal workshops offered by nonprofits across Illinios in four regions:
Chicago
Western Suburbs
Northern Illinois
Central/Southern Illinois
These workshops are pro se, meaning participants are not entering into an attorney–client relationship. Instead, on-site attorneys and accredited representatives help community members:
Receive a comprehensive immigration legal screening
Learn about available relief options
Get assistance with certain applications and forms
What Services Are Offered?
Every workshop starts with a comprehensive screening to determine possible immigration relief. If eligible, attendees can receive same-day help with:
Work authorization applications
Asylum applications (requires a second day for completion)
Change of venue and change of address forms
Requests for evidence (RFEs)
FOIA requests for immigration records
ICE or ISAP check-in preparation
Court hearing preparation
For those with upcoming ICE check-ins or court dates, attorneys provide an orientation on what to expect, know-your-rights information, and help with creating emergency family plans in case of detention.
Why These Workshops Matter
Attending a workshop before a check-in or court hearing can make all the difference for you and your family:
“We can help people prepare for possible outcomes, ensure important legal documents are in the right hands, and make sure children and loved ones have a plan if something happens.”
Having a plan — and knowing your rights — is one of the best ways to protect yourself in the current immigration climate.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To make the most of your workshop, bring:
All immigration documents from court, ICE, or USCIS
Identity documents (passports, birth certificates, consular IDs, driver’s licenses)
Evidence from your home country (for asylum claims)
Any prior immigration applications
Certified dispositions for any past interactions with the criminal justice system, even for minor cases
The more complete your documentation, the better the workshop team can guide you.
Stay Connected
Next TRP Live Update: 📅 Wednesday, August 20 | 4pm CST
📌 Topic: “Big Beautiful Bill” — What It Means for the Immigrant Community
TRP is here to help. Follow us on social media for regular immigration updates.
Whether you need to prepare for an ICE check-in, explore your legal options, or apply for immigration relief, our team is committed to providing the tools, knowledge, and guidance you need to navigate the process.
