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Governor signs package of bills to further protect immigrants and refugees

By WJBD Staff Aug 3, 2021 | 9:01 AM
Governor Pritzker gathers with supporters of immigration rights after signing a series of bills on Monday.

Governor JB Pritzker is signing a package of legislation to further protect immigrants and refugees in Illinois.

The Governor says three of the new laws address immigrant hate crimes, expand workplace protections and require local officials to end partnerships with ICE says the Governor.

“Throughout my governorship I’ve directed my administration to adopt policies to make Illinois a welcoming state for immigrants.  And I’m very proud to sign these accountability measures into law to advance our cause.”

The ICE Partnership measure targets local agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement allowing county jails to house immigrant detainees awaiting court appearances. Current contracts would end by January and no new contracts would be allowed. Three counties, Kankakee, Pulaski and McHenry, have such agreements and currently house roughly 260 immigrant detainees.

Another new law makes it a civil rights violation for employers to harass or refuse to hire an employee on the basis of work authorization status.  Another, sponsored by Senator Jacqueline Collins of Chicago, tackles violence.

“This new law which makes it a hate crime to target someone because of their actual or perceived immigrant status, will help protect immigrants and children of immigrants from all across the world.  But specifically our Latino brothers and sisters.”

The final new law creates a task force to ensure state programs and services are meeting the needs of immigrants.

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