Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

10/09/2026

SIGN UP: Join us for a webinar next Thursday, October 15th from 6:00 - 7:30 PM to learn how ICIRR is continuing to build people power leading up to the 2026 general election! Register: http://bit.ly/icirrdp2026

For over 20 years, ICIRR has been working with partner organizations to mobilize voters in immigrant communities across Illinois through our nonpartisan Get Out the Vote program - Democracy Project. Learn more about the program and all the ways to plug in with our fellows across Chicagoland.

SIGN UP TODAY at http://bit.ly/icirrdp2026

Thank you to all of our 2026 Democracy Project partners: Arab American Family Services (AAFS), Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, Casa Michoacán Federación De Clubes Michoacános En Illinois, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project - SSIP, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community- CBCAC, and PASO - West Suburban Action Project

10/08/2026

At ICIRR’s 40th anniversary celebration we were honored to receive THREE different proclamations from elected leaders recognizing our work in the fight to make Chicago and Illinois welcoming for ALL:

Thank you to Governor JB Pritzker for declaring October 6th, 2026 as Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Recognition Day in the state of Illinois, and recognizing our 40 years of organizing and leadership across the state.

Thank you to Mayor Brandon Johnson Brandon Johnson for declaring October 6th, 2026 as Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Recognition Day in the city of Chicago, and recognizing our work to make Chicago welcoming for all.

Thank you to Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias for the proclamation commemorating 40 years of ICIRR protecting the rights of immigrant & refugee families, and our ongoing work to make essential services accessible for everyone.

We look forward to another 40 years and beyond of fighting to make sure immigrants and refugees in Illinois not only survive, but thrive!

10/07/2026

Soccer is a team sport! Every player has a role, and every play, pass, and shot helps us reach our goal.

Elections work the same way! Whether your goal is healthcare for all, keeping ICE out of our communities, or ensuring the ultra rich pay their fair share - it takes EVERYONE to make sure people can thrive!

Join the game and make a plan to vote! You can early vote, vote by mail, or vote in person on election day. For more information, and opportunities to volunteer with our Democracy Project team, visit icirr.org/vote

10/07/2026

Yesterday, ICIRR celebrated 40 years of advocacy, organizing, and resistance with partners and members, like minded elected officials, and dedicated supporters. Since 1986, ICIRR has worked to organize communities across the state in support of pro-immigrant policies, and programs that lift up ALL people in Illinois.

Thank you to all those who joined us. The attacks our communities have faced affects our schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and our shared sense of what people should be able to expect from one another. Illinois has proven that together we are strong, and we’ve built a movement that will last long beyond any presidential term.

ICIRR is committed to continuing to fight back alongside our immigrant and refugee communities, until every person in Illinois has their needs met and can live without fear!

None of the work we’ve achieved in the last 40 years could have been done alone - thank you for supporting ICIRR throughout these years, and we look forward to another 40 years and beyond. 💜

Photo credit: Ray Rivera, raysrivera.com and Glo Choi, gloharn.com

10/05/2026

Mantente informado acerca de los cambios a la elegibilidad para el programa de Medicaid que entraron en vigor el 1ro de octubre.

Miles de inmigrantes y refugiados son afectados, por eso es importante conocer los recursos que aún siguen disponibles en Illinois para ayudar a las personas acceder el cuidado de salud en hospitales y clínicas.

Estos recursos los comparte la Directora de Política y Justicia de Salud de ICIRR en este reportaje.

10/05/2026

Jesus has spent years working with immigrant communities across West Chicago, Elgin, Kane County, and DuPage County. He considers the people he works with family—and that’s what motivates him to make a positive impact and help others do the same.

As a Democracy Project Organizer, Jesus is connecting eligible voters in Kane and DuPage counties with information about their voting rights, providing voter registration resources, and sharing opportunities for people to take action regardless of their immigration status.

His message is simple: change starts when we take action together.

Visit icirr.org/vote for information on how to register and vote in Illinois, important election dates, and ways to get involved with Democracy Project 2026.

Since 2002, ICIRR’s Democracy Project has worked to increase civic participation among immigrant communities in Chicago and the suburbs.

10/03/2026

10/02/2026

Eager to help immigrants struggling to navigate the ever changing and confusing immigration court system? Sign up to be a Court Watch volunteer today!

Immigration courts have created something new: Mega Master Hearings, where more than 100 immigrants can be included in a single fast-moving hearing that is difficult to understand and respond to, especially for those who don’t have lawyers and whose first language is not English. This has resulted in Chicago’s immigration court issuing the most removal orders than other court these last few months.

But YOU can help make a difference and hold the immigration courts accountable! Join our Court Watch program and join a team of dedicated volunteers who attend immigration hearings in downtown Chicago.

Our Court Watchers partner with legal organizations and pro bono attorneys, highlighting problems observed and cases where unrepresented respondents are in need of legal help. Information Court Watchers collect exposes problematic practices, promotes transparency, and supports calls for change.

➡️Swipe to learn more, and visit bit.ly/ICIRRCourtWatch to sign up for an orientation today!

10/01/2026

Karen, organizadora comunitaria con Organizacion PASO y Democracy Project 2026, conoce el miedo con el que están viviendo muchas familias y el impacto que ICE tiene en nuestras vecindades.

Por eso, Karen está trabajando con la comunidad para ayudar a elegir a representantes que apoyen los temas que más les importan.

Como organizadora de Democracy Project, Karen está conectando a personas en los suburbios del suroeste de Chicago con recursos para registrarse para votar y oportunidades de participación cívica, recordándoles a sus vecinos que todos tenemos un papel en crear un mejor futuro.

Visita icirr.org/vote para encontrar información sobre cómo registrarte para votar en Illinois, fechas importantes de las elecciones y maneras de involucrarte con Democracy Project 2026.

Desde 2002, el Democracy Project de ICIRR ha trabajado para aumentar la participación cívica de las comunidades inmigrantes en Chicago y los suburbios.
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Karen, a community organizer with PASO and Democracy Project 2026, knows the fear families are experiencing and the devastating impact of ICE enforcement.

That’s why Karen is working with her community to make their voices heard and help elect representatives who will address the issues that matter to them.

As a Democracy Project Organizer, Karen is connecting people in Chicago’s southwest suburbs with voter registration resources and opportunities for civic participation, reminding her neighbors that we all have a role to play in shaping a better future.

Visit icirr.org/vote for information on how to register and vote in Illinois, important election dates, and ways to get involved with Democracy Project 2026.

Since 2002, ICIRR’s Democracy Project has worked to increase civic participation among immigrant communities in Chicago and the suburbs.

09/29/2026