Travis Wimsett, a senior associate general counsel for the American Bar Association, was deeply moved by the migrant crisis happening in Chicago. Families were seeking refuge in police stations and airports as the city struggled to accommodate the influx of immigrants and asylum-seekers from the U.S. southern border.
When Wimsett had the opportunity to participate in a state-supported effort organized by The Resurrection Project to provide pro bono legal assistance to migrants, he didn’t hesitate to join. Along with other lawyers from across Chicago, Wimsett worked at legal clinics to help migrants complete paperwork for programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). These documents could potentially change the lives of recent arrivals, allowing them to work and navigate the complex U.S. immigration system.
Working through translators, volunteer lawyers like Wimsett collected information from migrants and completed the necessary applications. The paperwork was then reviewed by representatives of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to make final decisions. Despite not delving deeply into the stories of his clients, Wimsett acknowledged the incredible challenges they had faced, such as making the treacherous journey on foot from Colombia to Panama.
Marissa LaVette, an Assistant Staff Counsel at the ABA Center for Pro Bono, also participated in the initiative and emphasized the humanity of migrants, describing them as regular people who are seeking a better life, just like anyone else. The collective effort of lawyers and legal professionals in Chicago has had a significant impact, with over 7,200 applications submitted on behalf of recent arrivals. Many migrants have successfully received TPS or work permits, providing them with protection from deportation and the ability to access better job opportunities.
While the situation in Chicago has improved since the peak of the crisis, with fewer migrants being housed in temporary facilities, the need for legal assistance for immigrants remains high. Organizers of the legal clinics are exploring ways to continue supporting immigrants and the undocumented community in the future, recognizing that the demand for services exceeds the available resources.
As the city continues to address the ongoing challenges of immigration and border security, the dedication of pro bono lawyers like Wimsett and LaVette highlights the importance of providing legal aid to vulnerable populations in times of crisis. The impact of their work goes beyond paperwork and applications; it is truly life-changing for the individuals seeking a safe haven and a chance for a better future in the United States.