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
Over the last few months, the League spoke out on the SAVE Act, immigration policy, education funding, and more.
Over the last few months, the League spoke out on election disinformation, money in politics, school funding, and more.
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.
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.
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.
Last month, the League spoke out on immigration, fair housing, criminal justice, and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Issue Specialist
Kim Reed
issues@lwvil.org
Coalition Partners
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Resources
Immigration Rights in Illinois
Know Your Rights Flyers: