Immigration Programs
The Refugee/Immigrant Child Health Initiative (RICHI)
A nonpartisan and pro-child initiative spearheaded by ICAAP to better serve the needs of immigrant and refugee children and their families. Our mission is to advance equitable care for immigrant and newcomer children in Illinois by educating clinicians, curating practical resources, fostering community partnerships, and promoting advocacy that supports the health and well-being of children and families.
Resources for Families
Health Insurance - Get Covered Illinois
Website in five languages to help families get the healthcare coverage they need. If a family already has health insurance, this site will help them understand how to use it to see a doctor.
Know Your Rights
Legal resources, family safety planning, housing, food, and mental health and well being.
Legal Resources
Immigrant rights and immigration legal services.
Family Support and Preparedness
Family Support Hotline in English/Spanish/Korean/Polish 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693). Additional resources for families, including a guide for parents who are undocumented in Illinois.
Find a Health Center
Community-facing map of all the health clinics in the state of Illinois, which are all available regardless of immigration status, as well as a directory of mental health services.
Talking to a Child About Current Events/Deportation
Recent activity by federal officers conducting civil immigration enforcement operations can cause uncertainty, concern, and distress. All children deserve to be and feel safe. These resources can be used to support communication with children and families.
Policy & Advocacy
Expanded ICE Activity in IL
Illinois is home to a diverse population, composed of hundreds of different cultures. We acknowledge that recent activity by federal officers conducting civil immigration enforcement operations is causing uncertainty, concern, and distress among patients, their families, neighbors, and the broader community. At ICAAP, we affirm that all children deserve to be and feel safe, regardless of immigration status.
AAP Statements
Children and families going through the immigration process face challenges and stressors that can prevent their access to timely and comprehensive medical care. Many immigrant families face food and housing insecurity, communication barriers, and have little to no experience navigating our health care system. The AAP is unequivocal: immigration enforcement policies that separate children from their parents or detain them—especially in institutional settings—cause severe trauma and must end.
Resources for Clinicians
Navigating Vaccine Gaps
Key information on international vaccine requirements and guidance on how to assess new arrival patients, share important vaccine information, and ways to develop long-term care plans.
Language Interpretation Services
Print and share this flyer with important information on medical appointment interpretation services and guidance for those seeking medical care in Illinois.
Samples of Letters of Support for Immigration Cases
From the Maryland Chapter, AAP: These sample letters are taken from multiple sources, including different AAP partners and immigration lawyers.
AAP's Council on Immigrant Child and Family Health (COICFH)
Professional tools and resources from the AAP designed to help clinicians care for immigrant children.
Center of Excellence in Newcomer Health
The Center of Excellence in Newcomer Health in Minnesota is a network for training and epidemiology in best practices that promote refugee health.
Learn More and Get Involved
RICHI members advocate on behalf of immigrant children and families by:
- Signing onto a Supreme Court amicus brief in support of DACA
- Providing and soliciting comments opposing the proposed Public Charge rule changes
- Writing to Congress to argue for the necessity of Medical Deferred Action
- Forming professional relationships with legal, social service, and health care organizations to better support immigrant families through culturally-competent care and communications
Overall Goals
Educate clinicians to assess the medical, legal, and social needs of newcomers and create immigrant-friendly healthcare spaces in Illinois
Gather resources for clinicians to assist their patients with behavioral health, legal, and community organization referrals to coordinate care of children and families
Provide education and quality improvement opportunities for pediatricians working with refugee and immigrant populations
Inform physicians about opportunities to advocate for legislation and policies that benefit children
Connect with community and legal organizations to assess the medical needs of target populations
Add Your Voice
ICAAP members can join RICHI by emailing Abby Creek, Senior Program Manager, Health Equity Initiatives.
Upcoming Events
ICAAP is hosting events dedicated to supporting immigrant health and communities in IL. Visit the upcoming events page to learn more and register.
Improving Access to Care for Children of Immigrant Families (IAC)
This pilot project addressed the Healthy People 2020 AH-6 objective to reduce the proportion of individuals unable to obtain or delay obtaining necessary medical care, dental care, or prescription medicines. Activities included:
Assisting practices in creating more immigrant-responsive health care environments
Equipping clinicians with knowledge and resources to improve access to care for children in immigrant families
Seeking to prevent disruptions in care resulting from recent changes in federal immigration policies that have engendered fear among immigrant families
Promoting inclusiveness in health care spaces