Citizenship & Immigration Services

Citizenship & Immigration Services, Immigration Services, YWCA Elgin

YWCA Elgin offers Citizenship and Immigration Services in Spanish and English.

Services Include:

  • Assistance with Naturalization, DACA Renewal, Green Cards (initial application and renewals), and Asylum applications.

  • Free 6-week U.S. Citizenship Courses

  • Assistance in preparing for the U.S. Citizenship interview

  • Immigration Attorneys on Staff

  • Naturalization (N400 applications) and DACA Renewal scholarships for those who qualify

  • Know Your Rights Workshops (online & in-person)

  • Bilingual Wellness Support Groups

For more information, please call or text Annie Jarvis at (331) 442-6358 or email ajarvis@ywcaelgin.org.

These programs and services have been made possible by grants awarded by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, the Illinois Department of Human Services, the New American Initiative, and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

📢 The Latest in Immigration Policy – In-Person & Online Event

Join us at YWCA Elgin for an essential community event focused on the most recent changes in immigration policies under the current administration. This bilingual session is open to the public and aims to inform both immigrant families and allies about crucial updates impacting our communities.

Poster announcing an immigration policy event hosted by YWCA Elgin, scheduled for May 29, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at 220 E. Chicago St., Elgin, IL. The event features topics like immigration registry, real ID, international travel, TPS, family safety, and community concerns, with a panel of immigration attorneys led by Maria Valdez and Jasmine Pedraza.
Flyer for a bilingual informational event on immigration laws, scheduled for May 29, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at YWCA Elgin, Illinois. Topics include immigration registration, driver licenses, international travel, CBP parole, family security, and community concerns. Features panel with immigration lawyers and advocates.

Know Your Rights

The YWCA Elgin is proud to offer Know Your Rights training to empower our community. These trainings are designed to educate individuals about their rights when interacting with Immigration authorities, I.C.E., or the Police.

Our training sessions cover essential topics such as how to identify officer badges and understand their authority, the difference between judicial and immigration warrants, practical steps to prepare yourself for encounters with law enforcement, and more critical insights to ensure you are informed and protected.

At the YWCA Elgin, we are committed to staying up-to-date with changes in the law and will continuously update our training materials. We will also keep the community informed about any new legislation that may impact their rights.

These workshops are a part of our mission to support and empower individuals in our community through education and advocacy. Stay informed and prepared.

YWCA Elgin Action Plan: Preparedness and Protection

At YWCA Elgin, we prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals and families in our community. Our mission is to ensure that everyone is informed, prepared, and empowered to protect their rights and care for their loved ones in times of emergency.

An emergency can happen unexpectedly. It’s essential to plan ahead and ensure you and your family are ready. Our action plan and How to Prepare videos help you gather and organize critical information so you can quickly take the necessary steps during difficult times. Our action plan provides a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare. It includes biographical information, emergency contacts, legal documents, medical records, and more.

Know Your Rights Informational Videos

If you're unable to attend a YWCA Elgin Know Your Rights Workshop, you can watch our instructional videos below to learn the essentials. These videos will be updated whenever laws change.

1-27-25 Update - 3:50 minute mark, discussing Fourth Amendment and Sensitive Locations

Save this playlist and come back often so you stay up to date with the latest information.

1-27-25 Actualización - marca del minuto 3:55, debate sobre la Cuarta Enmienda y las ubicaciones sensibles

Guarda esta lista de reproducción y vuelve a menudo para estar al día de la información más reciente.

The YWCA Elgin Workplace Know Your Rights for Managers/Owners manual found above provides essential guidance for employers and managers regarding workplace rights, particularly concerning immigration laws, employee protections, and interactions with law enforcement agencies like ICE.

Graphic with raised fists of diverse skin tones symbolizing workplace rights and empowerment, with the title 'Workplace Know Your Rights for Managers/Owners as of 1/27/2025 in IL' and a note about visiting the website www.ywcaelgin.org for updates.

Support the YWCA Elgin in providing essential Know Your Rights information and immigration services by making a donation today! Your contribution makes a difference!

Bilingual Wellness Support Group

Welcome to our Monthly Bilingual Workshops! If you're seeking a supportive space to connect with others, reduce stress, and embrace wellness, you've come to the right place. Our workshops are designed to foster honest conversations and self-care, offering practical techniques to release stress, opportunities to build meaningful connections, and a safe environment to unwind. Join us on this journey toward greater wellness and personal growth—we can’t wait to welcome you!

Upcoming Wellness Support Group

Flyer for a wellness support group in Spanish. Features an image of four diverse adults engaging in a discussion, with details about the event including date, time, location, and the sponsoring organization, YWCA Elgin.
Flyer for a support and wellness group in Spanish aimed at adults, scheduled for Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 pm at the ABC community halls, hosted by YWCA Elgin, featuring a photograph of diverse adults in a discussion, with logos of Gail Borden Library and YWCA.