Immigration

League Position

The League believes that immigration policies should promote reunification of immediate families; meet the economic, business and employment needs of the United States; and be responsive to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises.

News

News
League Action in September & October
League Action in September & October

Over the last few months, the League spoke out on election disinformation, money in politics, school funding, and more.

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Safeguards Ensure Only US Citizens Are Automatically Registered to Vote
Safeguards Ensure Only US Citizens Are Automatically Registered to Vote

Illinois passed a new driver’s license law allowing noncitizens to apply for standard driver’s licenses, but noncitizens cannot register to vote and are NOT voting in our federal and state elections.

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2024 Legislative Wrap-Up
2024 Legislative Wrap-Up

The Illinois General Assembly adjourned last month, having missed an opportunity during an election year to address various reforms needed to protect the environment and government ethics. But to its credit, lawmakers passed over $1 billion in revenue increases to move the needle on creating economic opportunity for families most in need.

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Meeting Basic Needs through Fiscal Policy
Meeting Basic Needs through Fiscal Policy

Learn how Illinois can rise to the challenge of meeting the basic needs of a growing low-income population while also ensuring the safety and well-being of new arrivals by leveraging fiscal policy.

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League Action in January
League Action in January

Last month, the League spoke out on immigration, fair housing, criminal justice, and more.

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Crisis Demands Compassion
Crisis Demands Compassion

The Chicago Tribune recently published a letter to the editor by LWVIL President Becky Simon, calling for a coordinated and compassionate response to the current immigration crisis.

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League on Immigration Policy
League on Immigration Policy

Poorly-conceived and poorly-implemented federal immigration policy is a growing problem across the country, including here in Illinois. Chicago especially is facing a crisis as it works to shelter over 9,000 immigrants.

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Report: General Assembly 2022
Report: General Assembly 2022

Important legislation supported by the League was passed by both Chambers during a spring session shortened by more than 1 ½ months because of the June 28 Primary Election.

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Issues Briefing Resources Available
Issues Briefing Resources Available

Issues Briefing session recordings and materials are now available.

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Our State IMMIGRATION Policy Positions

  • The State of Illinois should promote local community efforts to provide orientation and counseling services for immigrants, regardless of documentation status.

  • The State of Illinois should promote and fund educational programs and materials that seek to inform all workers, including documented and undocumented immigrants, of their rights in the workplace.

  • The State of Illinois should provide "driving certificates" or some other form of proof of driving validation to undocumented drivers, allowing those drivers to drive legally and ensuring that they would have passed a state driving test. The State of Illinois should permit and encourage auto insurance providers to issue insurance coverage to holders of such driving certificates.

  • We oppose the deputization of state and local police to enforce immigration laws in Illinois.

  • We oppose legislation or ordinances at the state and local level that would penalize landlords for renting to undocumented immigrants.

  • We oppose legislation or ordinances at the state and local level that would prohibit the issuance of business permits to undocumented immigrants.

  • We do not support extending the right to vote to undocumented immigrants.

 
Nicki SnoblinHuman Needs