Guest columnist Sarah Flagel: Chicagoans can set the standard on fulfilling U.S. promise to those seeking asylum

In response to a recent increase of migrant arrivals, then Chicago-Mayor Lori Lightfoot recently declared a state of emergency in the city. And with the end of Title 42, this influx will only increase as many more seek refuge in our city. However, as Chicagoans, we have an opportunity to be part of the solution. To lessen the burden on our overwhelmed immigration system, we can help to secure access to legal services for asylum-seekers and provide resources to support those already in our communities.

Under the current U.S. law, migrants can apply for asylum only if they physically travel to the U.S. Therefore, for many who are seeking refuge, arriving at our borders is the only option.

What's more, after fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries, most asylum-seekers that do make it to the U.S. find that their journey to safety has only just begun.

For decades, U.S. law has provided protection through asylum. But recently, 4.6 million asylum-seekers have begun facing new obstacles. Among those are over 8,000 new Chicago neighbors bussed or flown from the southern border, some of whom have joined our communities as recently as this week. Tragically, upon arrival, instead of a just and efficient opportunity to make their claim for refugee protection, these asylum-seekers face a convoluted, lengthy legal process, which may take years.

With nearly 1.6 million pending asylum applications, our immigration system does not reflect the values of due process and access to justice that Americans hold dear. While we advocate for Congress to pass meaningful immigration reform, Chicagoans can change the future for asylum-seekers by helping provide access to legal counsel.

Like many other immigrants, asylum-seekers face barriers related to language, the impact of trauma, insufficient financial resources, and lack of friends and family nearby. This leaves them uniquely vulnerable to poverty, homelessness, and exploitation as they wait years for their cases to be adjudicated.

Obtaining legal services can be the difference between safely rebuilding a life in the U.S. and returning to a country where they may be tortured or killed. In fact, immigrants who receive access to legal services are significantly more likely to have their asylum cases approved. Over the past decade, four out of five cases where an individual was granted asylum occurred when the asylum-seeker had legal representation. Conversely, over 80% of unrepresented asylum-seekers had their cases denied.

Chicagoans can help change this. We have a long history of fighting for justice, and our communities beautifully demonstrate all the ways in which immigrants add diversity, resilience and creativity. It's also worth noting that immigrants proudly contribute over $8.9 billion to the U.S. economy. Ensuring that they have access to legal services sets them - and our communities - up for a stronger and more secure future.

The Chicagoland offices of World Relief, a global humanitarian organization that provides refugee resettlement and support to other immigrants, know firsthand the holistic needs of asylum-seekers in our community. Recognizing the life-changing impact that legal services make, we stepped up to help last fall by establishing the Asylum Legal Clinic.

The clinic, where I serve as managing attorney, is empowering asylum-seekers to navigate the immigration system by providing much needed information and case representation. Yet we cannot do it alone. We need the community to give, volunteer and advocate. Together, we can help thousands of vulnerable people in our community gain justice and safety.

Asylum-seekers are just like us - people who want belonging and a safe place to call home. But they need our help. We each can provide access to justice for vulnerable asylum-seekers by giving and volunteering to support local legal services. Doing so allows our country to fulfill its promise to be a place of refuge and opportunity, building a bright future for our diverse city, even as we wait for Congress to pass systemic immigration reform.

• Sarah Flagel is the Managing Attorney of World Relief Chicagoland's Asylum Legal Clinic.