The Legal Corner - October 2014

TVDL Update

A quick but heartfelt thank you to our friends at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights who have been working on improving the TVDL program tirelessly and shared the following updates with us.

Fraud Process. TVDL applicants who have obtained a driver’s license using another person’s or a false social security number in the past must report that fact to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office and serve out a 12 month  suspension before they will be issued a TVDL. Previously, it was unclear whether SOS would require these applicants to sign any paperwork at their fraud interview. Recently, SOS assured advocates that no one going through the fraud process will be required to sign any statement admitting to fraud.  Although this step should decrease the risk of any negative immigration consequences in the future, it is still advisable to speak with an attorney about your particular situation.

Applicants undergoing the fraud process, who have a felony conviction will be blocked from obtaining a TVDL; those with misdemeanor or other minor convictions will not. Under no circumstances will SOS report any TVDL applicant to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Appointments. On October 1, SOS started scheduling appointments 6 months out to alleviate complaints from applicants who have repeatedly been unable to schedule an appointment.

Walk-in Legal Clinic Update

Schedule Change. Our evening hours have proved more convenient for you, so we are going to keep them on Thursday evenings from 4pm to 8pm. Remember to bring all documentation you think may be relevant to your case. In addition, there is a $30 fee for the consultation. We prefer that it be paid via a money order or debit/credit card rather than cash. Thank you!

Interesting Reads

Midwest is Best! The American Immigration Council and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs released a new report “Reimagining the Midwest: Immigration Initiatives and the Capacity of Local Leadership.” The report contextualizes all the local city and state, and non-government, initiatives undertaken by Midwest elected and civic leaders to aid immigrant integration in the region in the face of federal inaction on immigration reform.

Speaking of federal inaction… The National Immigration Law Center concisely summarizes the President’s legal authority to issue executive orders on immigration.

Stopping Detainers. We’ve written quite a bit about detainers in this newsletter, and I am sure we will write more in the future. But, here are other people’s brief thoughts on why 250 counties have stopped honoring detainers.