Refugees. (WTTW News)

Refugees to America often find themselves starting from scratch, but a new program is offering everyday Americans a way to give refugees a softer landing.

A file image of the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago. (WTTW News)

Chicago's history as a self-proclaimed sanctuary city dates back to 1985, when then Mayor Harold Washington issued an executive order prohibiting city employees from enforcing federal immigration laws.

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The Defenders for All Act took effect at the beginning of this year. Since then, the Cook County Public Defenders’ immigration unit says it’s taken on over a dozen cases free of charge — the largest county in the nation to do so.

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer looks on during an operation in Escondido, Calif., July 8, 2019. (AP Photo / Gregory Bull, File)

As it released its annual report, reflecting eight months under President Joe Biden, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said immigration arrests dropped nearly 40% from the previous year while the number of people apprehended who had committed “aggravated felonies” nearly doubled.

Immigrant rights activists, public health advocates, and community allies gather outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Chicago Field Office Feb. 1, 2021. (WTTW News)

Last year, President Joe Biden recalled the journey of his ancestors to this country as he welcomed new citizens at the White House. In his speech, President Biden ticked off some of the ways he planned to evolve immigration policy. We look at where he stands on those goals.

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In August, Gov. J. B. Pritzker signed into law, the Illinois Way Forward Act. Among the changes are stronger protections for immigrants and an effective discontinuation of federal detention centers in Illinois by 2022. 

DACA recipients have been reporting longer delays in the renewal of their status, putting many of their employment eligibility at risk. Or in some cases, completely taking away their ability to work legally. (WTTW News via CNN)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has given immigrants who were brought here as youth an opportunity to work and study in the U.S. lawfully. But recently, DACA recipients have been reporting longer delays in the renewal of their status, putting many of their employment eligibility at risk.

The Supreme Court strikes down Texas abortion restrictions. Former Supreme Court clerks highlight the term's other blockbuster cases.

With Antonin Scalia's death leaving an unexpected opening on the Supreme Court, we talk with a judge who was once considered for the high court on how she was vetted and why she thinks it's bad to have a long vacancy.

Former Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan comes to Chicago to pitch immigration reform as the debate in Washington heats up. Paris Schutz has the latest. 

The former chairman of Exelon Corporation argues that, without swift immigration reform, Congress is putting the entire Midwest economy at risk. He joins us.

Sen. Dick Durbin outlines the Senate 'Gang of 8' immigration proposal. Paris Schutz has the latest.