Honoring National Immigrants Day — Celebrating Resilience, Community, and the Role of YWCA Northwestern Illinois
Every year on October 28, we pause to celebrate National Immigrants Day — a time to reflect on how immigrants have shaped, and continue to strengthen, the fabric of our nation. First proclaimed in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan to coincide with the 101st anniversary of the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty, the day invites us to remember that America has long been a “nation of immigrants.”
At YWCA Northwestern Illinois, National Immigrants Day is an opportunity not only to honor the contributions, stories, and aspirations of immigrants in our region, but also to recommit ourselves to serving immigrant families through programs that foster belonging, stability, and opportunity.
October 28 links directly to the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty in 1886 — a powerful symbol of refuge, freedom, and welcome. Emma Lazarus’s poem calling out to “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” captures the hope many immigrants carry with them.
While not a federal holiday, National Immigrants Day offers a moment to:
- Honor immigrant stories and contributions across all sectors such as cultural, economic, and civic engagement
- Recognize the legal, linguistic, and systemic challenges immigrants face
- Renew solidarity and advocacy for policies and practices that support equitable pathways to integration
At its heart, this observance reminds us that the United States’ diversity is a strength and that welcoming newcomers is aligned with our values as a society.
YWCA Northwestern Illinois & Immigrant Services: Bringing Support to Life
Our Immigrant Services programs turns ideals into impact, helping immigrant and Limited English Proficient (LEP) populations navigate life with dignity and confidence. Key programs include:
- Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC)
A one-stop human services hub providing culturally and linguistically appropriate case management, referrals, and coordination. Families receive assistance accessing health care, housing, employment support, and community connections.
- Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP)
In partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and ICIRR, YWCA NWIL helps immigrant families apply for public benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and child support, while offering interpretation, translation, and referrals to other services.
- Access to Justice Program (A2J)
Through a statewide network led by The Resurrection Project, our program connects immigrants to free legal consultations, assists with transportation, interpretation, document access, and supports families navigating complex immigration processes.
- Citizenship & ESL Classes
We provide English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction and citizenship interview preparation — including virtual classes for those with transportation challenges — helping families build a foundation to thrive in the community and beyond.
- Family Advocacy & Wrap-Around Supports
Beyond legal and benefits assistance, we connect families to parenting education, financial literacy, job coaching, and stabilization services, helping create a solid foundation and belonging.
Through these services, we aim not only to meet immediate needs but also to build trust, capacity, and a sense of belonging in immigrant communities across Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Ogle, DeKalb, Stephenson, and Jo Daviess counties.
A Call to Celebrate, Support, and Stand with Immigrants
As we mark National Immigrants Day this October 28, let it be more than a symbolic observance. Let it be a call to act, to listen, and to invest in immigrant community empowerment. At YWCA Northwestern Illinois, we are deeply honored to walk beside immigrant families — helping interpret appointments, decipher paperwork, teach English, navigate public benefits, and build new connections.
To our immigrant neighbors: know that your stories, your labor, your dreams, and your resilience make our communities stronger. To our staff, volunteers, partners, and donors: your commitment of time, talent, and resources is a lifeline — thank you. And to all who read this: find one way this month (or year) to uphold the dignity, rights, and full potential of immigrant neighbors.
Together, let us make National Immigrants Day a moment of both tribute and action.
Amanda Lantz, Immigrant Services Coordinator
