The Individual Rights & Social Justice Practice Group provides legal representation
to victims of human trafficking, victims of labor exploitation, and immigrants seeking assistance on immigration applications and relief.
In Cook and DuPage Counties, the Individual Rights & Social Justice (IRSJ) team works out of Metropolitan Family Services’ community centers to provide services to clients. The team also has an office in Decatur, Illinois to provide legal services to victims of human trafficking and labor exploitation in Central Illinois.
How We Help
Human Trafficking
The IRSJ team provides free comprehensive legal services to survivors of human trafficking for legal needs related to their victimization. Staff work with all survivors regardless of age, nationality, gender, or type of trafficking experienced. Common types of legal needs include: immigration relief; assisting clients in reporting and/or cooperating with law enforcement; ensuring victims’ rights are protected in investigation or prosecution; family reunification; and filing civil suits to recover damages.
In addition, the IRSJ team operates a robust outreach project that consists of direct outreach in the community and know your rights presentations. The outreach team aims to help educate community members and identify individuals who may be experiencing human trafficking. The outreach team also works with key stakeholders, such as first responders and service providers, to help them become better versed in identifying human trafficking through education and capacity building.
Labor Exploitation
The IRSJ team provides legal services to victims of labor exploitation. Matters include: nonpayment of wages; unpaid overtime; failure to pay minimum wage; coercive work environments; and other labor issues. The team successfully recovers damages through demand letters, settlements, and civil suits.
Immigration
The IRSJ team works with immigrants who are seeking immigration relief. Staff focus primarily on humanitarian-based immigration claims, including for immigrants who are victims of crime and may be eligible for a U Visa, T Visa, or Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) relief. Additionally, in partnership with other service providers, the IRSJ team provides support for clients seeking assistance with asylum petitions, work authorization, and temporary protected status (TPS) through centralized immigration clinics. For clients receiving services through other programs at Metropolitan Family Services, the IRSJ team also assists with family-based immigration petitions.