The Chicago Immigration Court, located at 55 E Monroe Street, serves as a critical component of the U.S. immigration system. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), this court addresses immigration cases within the Chicago area. Whether you are an attorney, respondent, or simply seeking information, understanding the specifics of this location is essential. This guide provides comprehensive details about the 55 E Monroe Street court, ensuring you have the necessary information for your visit or inquiries.
Visiting 55 E Monroe Street: Primary Chicago Immigration Court Location
The primary location of the Chicago Immigration Court is situated at 55 E. Monroe St., Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60603. This downtown Chicago address is your central point of contact for most court-related activities.
Address and Contact Information for 55 E Monroe Street
- Full Address: 55 E. Monroe St., Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60603
- Public Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Window Filing Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Phone: 312-220-0965
Important Access Note: Currently, the main entrance at 55 E Monroe Street is temporarily closed due to construction. Please use the entrance located at 125 South Wabash to access the building and the Chicago Immigration Court.
Directions, Parking, and Public Transit to 55 E Monroe Street
Reaching the Chicago Immigration Court at 55 E Monroe Street is convenient via various transportation methods.
Parking: Onsite parking is available at 55 E Monroe Street for a fee. For alternative parking, the Adams & Wabash Self-Park garage at 17 E. Adams offers public parking options close to the court.
Public Transit: The court’s location at 55 E Monroe Street is directly adjacent to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Adams/Wabash stop, making it highly accessible via public transportation. Numerous bus routes serve the area, and it is also near major train lines including the Union, Northwestern Metra Electric, and South Shore Lines. Utilize the CTA website (www.transitchicago.com) for detailed route planning.
Building Access and Security Procedures at 55 E Monroe Street
To ensure safety and order, all visitors to the Chicago Immigration Court at 55 E Monroe Street must undergo a mandatory security screening process each time they enter. This process includes passing through a metal detector and having handbags screened. Be prepared to remove shoes if requested by security personnel.
Prohibited Items: It is crucial to note that cameras, video recording equipment, and audio recording devices are strictly prohibited within the Chicago Immigration Court premises. Please leave these items at home or in your vehicle to expedite your entry.
Chicago Immigration Court Satellite Location
In addition to the primary location at 55 E Monroe Street, the Chicago Immigration Court also operates a satellite location for detained cases.
Satellite Location Address and Contact Information
- Address: 536 S. Clark St., Room 340, Chicago, IL 60605
- Public Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Window Filing Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Phone: 312-294-8400
Fax and Electronic Submissions: The Chicago Immigration Court generally does not accept faxes or electronic submissions unless specifically requested by court staff or an Immigration Judge. Unauthorized transmissions will not be included in the official record.
Directions, Parking, and Public Transit to the Satellite Location
Parking: A public parking garage is conveniently located at the corner of Clark and Harrison. An early arrival special rate of $14 is often available.
Public Transit: The satellite court is accessible via the CTA Blue Line to the LaSalle stop or the Red Line to the Harrison stop. Metra train users can utilize the LaSalle Street Station (Rock Island Metra line). Refer to the CTA website (www.transitchicago.com) and the Metra website (www.metrarail.com) for detailed schedules and routes.
Building Access and Security Procedures at the Satellite Location
Lobby Entrance: Access to the satellite location is through the 101 W. Congress Parkway entrance, situated at the corner of Clark and W. Congress Parkway.
Security Procedures: Similar to the 55 E Monroe Street location, all visitors are required to undergo security screening, including metal detection and handbag checks. The prohibition of cameras and recording equipment also applies at this location.
Key Personnel at the Chicago Immigration Court
- Assistant Chief Immigration Judge: Jennifer I. Peyton
- Court Administrator (Acting): Ivan Ashford
For asylum EAD clock correction requests specifically for Chicago cases, email: [email protected]. Ensure your request includes the applicant’s name, A number, the relevant Immigration Court, case history details, and the reason for the clock adjustment request. Please note this email is exclusively for Asylum EAD Clock requests.
List of Immigration Judges:
- Jody Barilla
- Samuel B. Cole
- Elizabeth Crites
- Brendan Curran
- Craig A. Defoe
- Carla Espinoza
- Philip Fluhr
- Michael P. Klosowsky
- Joshua Luskin
- Patrick M. McKenna
- Ana M. Mencini
- Samia Naseem
- Kristi Nelson
- Sebastian T. Patti
- Gina L. Reynolds
- Kaarina Salovaara
- Eva S. Saltzman
- Marc B. Stahl
- Elizabeth Treacy
- Michelle M. Venci
Essential Information and Resources for Navigating Immigration Court
- Immigration Court Procedures: Detailed procedures for practice before immigration courts are available in the EOIR Policy Manual.
- Helpful Links: For information related to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), both part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), visit their respective websites: USCIS, ICE, and DHS.
- News Media/Congressional Inquiries: Direct media and congressional inquiries to the EOIR Communications and Legislative Affairs Division (CLAD). Contact information: Communications and Legislative Affairs Division, 5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 1800, Falls Church, VA 22041, Phone: 703-305-0289, Email: [email protected].
- Holidays and Emergencies: The court follows federal holidays, listed on the OPM holidays page. For unexpected closures due to emergencies, check Twitter and Facebook.
- eRegistry: Attorneys and accredited representatives must register with EOIR through the eRegistry Validation Process.
- Legal Self-Help Center: Access numerous resources for respondents, including guidance for address changes or missed hearings, via self-help materials.
- Notarios Warning: Be aware of immigration fraud by notarios. They cannot provide legal representation in immigration court.
- Appeals Process: Immigration court decisions are appealable to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Find appeal instructions and Form EOIR-26 at E-26 and appeal instructions and further details on the BIA website.
- Virtual Law Library: Utilize the EOIR Virtual Law Library for legal resources and country conditions research.
- Observing Court Hearings: Immigration court hearings are generally public. Guidelines for observing hearings are available at Observing Immigration Court Hearings. Note the prohibition of electronic devices during hearings.
Conclusion
The Chicago Immigration Court at 55 E Monroe Street is a vital point within the U.S. immigration system. This guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information for contacting or visiting the court, along with essential resources for navigating immigration court procedures. Whether you are heading to 55 E Monroe Street or the satellite location, understanding these details will help ensure a smoother and more informed experience.
