The Emerging Legal Crisis Facing Chicago’s Black and Brown Communities
September 2 - 30, 2020
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Address
Chicago, IL 60612
Calendar
Download iCal FileIn the wake of the pandemic, the nation has seen unemployment skyrocket to over 14%, the highest level since record-keeping began in 1948. In Illinois, more than 200,000 filed for unemployment the first week of April, more than 20 times higher than last year. Issues with the Illinois Department of Employment Security processing claims, coupled with confusion around whether self-employed, independent contractors, or gig workers are eligible for unemployment benefits, has harmed the most vulnerable, including LatinX migrant workers. Further, Black and Brown workers make up a disproportionate share of the low-paid “essential workers”, many of whom have seen an increase in wage theft and workplace discrimination during the pandemic.
This presentation will explore Legal Aid Chicago’s multidisciplinary Immigrants & Workers’ Rights Practice group which finds an intersection between immigration, migrant, anti-human trafficking, and employment law; the trends Legal Aid Chicago is seeing; how Legal Aid Chicago is altering its work to meet the need; and how pro bono attorneys can help respond to the anticipated crushing demand for legal assistance.
Date posted
Aug 27, 2020
Date updated
Aug 27, 2020