The Human and Civil Rights Section Council and the International & Immigration Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) on April 1, adopted a resolution in support of refugees seeking resettlement. 

Expresses its deep concern for all refugees who are forced to flee their homeland and seek safety in other countries;

Fully supports the Statement by ISBA President Anna Krolikowska, which was later adopted by the ISBA Board of Governors, condemning Russia’s unlawful attack on and invasion of Ukraine and expressing support for the Ukrainian people and the surrounding nations who are assisting Ukraine;

Strongly urges all lawyers in Illinois and around the country to take action to show their support for and solidarity with refugees seeking resettlement, especially those from Ukraine, by taking one or more of the following actions:

1.    Participate in the U.S. State Department Sponsor Circle Program. While initially created in October 2021 to assist Afghan refugees to resettle in the United States, the U.S. government is considering whether to expand this program to include Ukrainian refugees. The Sponsor Circle Program allows individuals in communities around the country to form sponsor circles of at least five adults who are willing to undergo background checks, participate in online training, and provide financial and other support for refugees for at least the first 90 days after they arrive in a local community. 

2.    Provide financial support and other needed donations to refugee resettlement agencies in the state of Illinois, such as:

• Catholic Charities 
• Refugee One, Chicago, IL 
• World Relief, Chicagoland  
• The Refugee Center, Champaign, IL

3.    Volunteer to take a pro bono case involving temporary protected status, humanitarian parole, asylum, or other legal assistance for persons needing resettlement in the United States. Partner organizations providing and coordinating legal assistance for refugees include:

• National Immigrant Justice Center, Chicago  
• The Immigration Project, Bloomington, IL  
• Lawyers for Good Government  
• International Refugee Assistance Project  

4.    Contact community organizations and churches in local communities for additional opportunities for assistance. 

Additional information and resources about refugee resettlement in Illinois can be found on the Illinois Department of Human Services, Refugee and Immigrant Services webpage.