Lewis University, guided by its Catholic and Lasallian heritage, is committed to supporting its diverse student population through programs that integrate liberal and professional education. Grounded in the interaction of knowledge and fidelity in the search for truth, Lewis University fosters the development of the whole person through the pursuit of wisdom and justice. Central to its mission is a spirit of association, building a strong community through teaching, learning, and service.
As part of this mission, Lewis University provides resources to support undocumented and immigrant students, ensuring access to education, health, legal services, and community engagement. Below, you will find detailed information about the resources and initiatives available.
This page is intended to be a resource for the Lewis community and is not legal advice. Please reach out to the Office of Lasallian Belonging or Dean of Students with any questions.
Sanctified Zone
At Lewis University, the Sanctified Zone initiative ensures a supportive and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status. Learn more at the Lewis University Sanctified Zone website.
International Students
Access immigration guidance and tailored resources through our International Student Services.
See our ISGSS Announcements.
FERPA
Learn how Lewis University protects student privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Front Door Policy
Review our Front Door and Assistance Outside Law Enforcement Agents Policy to understand how Lewis protects student information in accordance with our Student Handbook.
Immigration FAQ
Lewis University has developed a protocol to support our students and employees that may be impacted by a detainment. The Dean of Students office and Human Resources are prepared to help support our community and connect them to resources.
For questions about immigration, visit the Lewis University Police Department website.
Undocu-Ally Training
To request a training, please email belonging@lewisu.edu.
Student Wellness Center
Our Student Wellness Center empowers students to maintain and enhance their physical and emotional health and well-being. Our multidisciplinary team provides access to quality, equitable health care, therapeutic services, prevention education and resources to support students’ holistic health and well-being. Students can request a counseling appointment here.
- Immigrants Rising Undocu-Immigrant Mental Health Grounding and Reflection Toolkit
- Coping with DACA Related Stress
TimelyCare
Lewis University offers free access to TimelyCare, a telehealth service available 24/7 for mental health, medical care, and health coaching. Download the TimelyCare app or log in using your Lewis email to get started.
Peace Circle
Request trained Circle Keepers to create a confidential and respectful space for collective sharing and deep connection.
Affinity Spaces
Connect with peers through student organizations supported by the Office of Student Engagement .
Financial Aid Resources
Explore financial assistance options such as the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid under the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act.
- Communication with Students from Families with Mixed Immigration Statuses about Completing the FAFSA
- How to Get an FSA ID without a Social Security Number
- Data Protection for FAFSA Information
External Resources
Expand your support network with the following organizations:
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
- DACA Renewal Clinic November 13, 2025
- DACA Renewal
- Refugee and Immigrant Children Committee
- Immigrants Rising Wellness Support Group
- Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund
- Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
- National Immigrant Justice Center
- Know Your Rights Card
- Health Insurance
- New Mexico Immigrant Law Center
- Online ICE Detainee Locator
- We Have Rights Campaign
- Emergency Plan
- ICIRR Attorney Referral List
ORGANIZATIONS
Romeoville
- Sueño Monarca (Chicagoland)
Bolingbrook
- Illinois Workers in Action (Illinois)
- Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project – Building suburban immigrant power.
Naperville
- ALMAS-Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs (DuPage and Will County)
- Chinese American Women in Action (Naperville)
Joliet
- Prairie State Legal Services (DuPage and Will)
- Spanish Community Center
- Warehouse Workers for Justice (Illinois)
Aurora
Wheaton
- Casa DuPage/Immigrant Solidarity DuPage (Dupage County)
Worth
- Arab American Family Services (south suburbs)
National Immigrant Justice Center-NIJC (National but has good resources)
Lewis University strives to empower undocumented and immigrant students to thrive both academically and personally, ensuring every student has the resources to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a 9-digit number the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues to people filing a tax return who are not US citizens and who do not have/are not eligible for a Social Security Number. ITIN can only be used for tax reporting purposes.
Review this site for How to Apply for an ITIN.
Immigrants-Rising_ITIN-Guide.pdf
https://www.usa.gov/itin
The Career Services office has partnered with Parker Dewey to provide students with micro-internships. Students from all majors can execute professional assignments to build and demonstrate skills while exploring a variety of career paths. Students do not need DACA or TPS to apply. An ITIN is required. Micro-Internships for Lewis University
A Limited Liability Company is formed by filing articles of organization with the state’s Secretary of State.
05b IR Independent Contractor Independent Contractor Forms V01
Here is a link to the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State for information on forming an LLC.
Additional information: Limited liability company (LLC)
Students that are interested in setting up an LLC can reach out to John Wightkin, Coordinator, Innovation Hub and Stahl Center for Entrepreneurship for assistance.
Victims of criminal activity could be eligible for a U-Visa. Victims of Criminal Activity: U Nonimmigrant Status | USCIS
Individuals could apply for DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – if they meet the established criteria. Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) | USCIS
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has information and resources regarding DACA. Copy of DACA | ICIRR
Students can reach out to the ICIRR Family Support Hotline
1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY
(1-855-435-7693) English / Spanish / Korean / Polish
Individual are encouraged to review their options with an immigration attorney.
Students can explore scholarships for DACA renewal available through the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Copy of DACA | ICIRR
Students can also call the ICIRR Family Support Hotline.
1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY
(1-855-435-7693) English / Spanish / Korean / Polish
The Lewis University Police Department has developed an FAQ that is available on their website with information for the Lewis community related to immigration.
In addition, LUPD has conducted trainings with various university departments to review the role of LUPD as it relates to immigration enforcement. The training includes information on the State of Illinois legislation Lewis University | Police Department | Immigration Enforcement
LUPD Officers are CIT certified – Crisis Intervention Team – which includes intensive training on recognizing and addressing mental illness, behavioral health crises, co-occurring disorders, medical conditions, psychotropic medications, and advanced communication and de-escalation techniques.
Students can call the ICIRR Family Support Hotline.
1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY
(1-855-435-7693) English/Spanish/Korean/Polish
The ICIRR Attorney Referral List is available in the External Resources links.