First Midwest BankFirst Midwest Bank logoArrow DownIcon of an arrow pointing downwardsArrow LeftIcon of an arrow pointing to the leftArrow RightIcon of an arrow pointing to the rightArrow UpIcon of an arrow pointing upwardsBank IconIcon of a bank buildingCheck IconIcon of a bank checkCheckmark IconIcon of a checkmarkCredit-Card IconIcon of a credit-cardFunds IconIcon of hands holding a bag of moneyAlert IconIcon of an exclaimation markIdea IconIcon of a bright light bulbKey IconIcon of a keyLock IconIcon of a padlockMail IconIcon of an envelopeMobile Banking IconIcon of a mobile phone with a dollar sign in a speech bubbleMoney in Home IconIcon of a dollar sign inside of a housePhone IconIcon of a phone handsetPlanning IconIcon of a compassReload IconIcon of two arrows pointing head to tail in a circleSearch IconIcon of a magnifying glassFacebook IconIcon of the Facebook logoLinkedIn IconIcon of the LinkedIn LogoXX Symbol, typically used to close a menu
Skip to nav Skip to content
FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

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

By Eder Garcia Bautista | Old National Banking Center Manager, Melrose Park, Illinois

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.

Starting as a part-time teller and rising to the managerial role for Old National at our Melrose Park location in Chicagoland, it is my pleasure to assist and educate new generations of Americans and to help them establish themselves and their families financially. We are people helping people, providing the guidance and kindness we hope our families received upon coming to this country. I am always looking to give back to the Chicagoland community and to assist its migrant and immigrant populations because I know first-hand the financial barriers that immigrant families face.

For more information regarding Old National’s work with migrants and immigrants in the Chicagoland area, contact Eder Garcia Bautista at Eder.GarciaBautista@oldnational.com.

Subscribe for Insights

Subscribe