On a day Mayor Rahm Emanuel declared “Refugee Protection Day,” immigration activists from 13 organizations joined to work on a plan to make Chicago a more welcoming city. 

Activists and lawyers from the National Immigration Justice Center said their organization depends heavily on pro bono work, requiring attorneys and law students to work on often complex refugee cases for free. 

NIJC said refugees face resettlement processes that can last anywhere from a few months to 20 years, adding that many migrants are unable to afford adequate representation.