How Old National Bank Assists Migrants, Immigrants Getting Their Start in Chicagoland

I was born in Guatemala, and moved here when I was 12 years of age with my mom and my brother. My mom was looking to find a better life for us despite the struggles of moving to a new country.

It goes without saying that it is difficult for immigrant families moving to a new country. Immigrants are not aware of programs they can take advantage of, or the different local, county, state and federal regulations, or the processes for obtaining a driver's license or social security number or other needed documents to establish themselves in the U.S.

I was fortunate to meet Lilian Alvarado through playing soccer, and she worked for a community bank. Through our friendship she referred me to apply at the bank. My first bank job was made possible by my friend, and by President Barack Obama, who passed the DACA [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals] executive action which allowed young people, or "dreamers," the opportunity to work in the U.S. and contribute to their communities. This opened the door for a social security number and the opportunity to build credit. It was then, as a part time teller, I first started advocating outside of Old National, in my personal time, by helping immigrant families to establish themselves financially.

Advocating for those new to the country

Another friend I had known since college had always been involved in advocacy efforts for immigrants and invited me to attend some events. We would help individuals and families fill out immigration forms, work permits and social security cards.

It was during this time that I received an email from Don Busse, an Old National Community Banking Executive, asking if anyone wanted to join Paul Lopez, our Community Development Officer for Chicagoland, in an official capacity attending some of these events for Old National. This allowed my early advocacy on my own personal time to merge with Old National's goals of strengthening the communities we serve by supporting underserved and economically disadvantaged families and individuals.

The first event happened to be near my home. I ended up speaking to numerous migrants, guiding them on how to open a checking account, get a debit card, pay expenses, and build credit once they received a social security number. I then started attending more events and bringing along some additional Spanish-speaking team members.

Giving back and easing the struggle

I've always been intrigued with the migrant community and giving back by offering guidance, especially as a former child migrant. Seeing the struggles of my mom and not knowing what programs were available or that she could take advantage of has driven me to make a difference. Every individual or family has needed help at one time or another.

Old National is one of the few banks, from my understanding, that will open an account for anyone who doesn't yet have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or a social security number. Many people drive long distances to attend these events to work with people who look like them, speak their language and understand what they are going through. Helping them through the whole process eases the experience.