Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America

During 2022 crln developed education and action initiatives for human rights in the americas including: crln joined six other human rights organizations on a fact-finding delegation from march 19-27, 2022, to meet and learn from human rights defenders from guatemala, el salvador, and honduras. Crln used information from the delegation to help organize educational workshops focused on the ongoing crisis in guatemala and the hope the new government of honduras can bring to the country. The workshops focused on how prosecutors confront rapidly closing spaces where they can defend rights and the rule of law and were presented to international and local audiences. Crln with icirr and other allies helped Illinois pass sb 3144 - the right to legal counsel in immigration proceedings. This bill established a task force on counsel in immigration proceedings and created a system to help immigrants in our state by providing them with legal support if they are in detention or facing deportation. Studies have demonstrated that people with legal support greatly improve their chances of staying with their families when they are facing detention or deportation. This bill was approved by both the Illinois senate and house and was signed by governor pritzker on may 16, 2022.crln was at the forefront of efforts to welcome the migrants that began to arrive by buses in Chicago on august 31, 2022. Crln has been one of the key organizations in advocating for the best wrap-around services for these newcomers. With our congregational partners, we have helped people to gain a foothold in our country and create a stable life.