Hernandez Responds to Immigrant Protections Being Signed Into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, member of the Latino Caucus, released the following statement after the Illinois Trust Act, Senate Bill 31, was signed into law:

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of community leaders and advocates across the state, Illinois now has the strongest statewide protections for immigrants in the country. The Illinois Trust Act will benefit all Illinois residents regardless of race, gender, or religion. It will allow families who are here raising children and contributing to our state’s economy to feel safe to go about their daily lives without the fear of being separated from their loved ones.

“Immigrants from all walks of life have made tremendous gains in the last few decades, but these gains are under attack at both the state and federal level. Even as the governor signs this bill, he has refused to speak out against the extremism of the Trump Administration, and he has unilaterally slashed funding for services immigrant communities rely on. Courageous leadership will be required to improve access to vital public investments like Welcoming Centers, and other integration services that aid new immigrants. So we must ensure that these services aren’t gutted in the budgets we craft as they empower people with the tools they need to become contributing members of society.

“While times may be difficult, we must remain hopeful in what can be accomplished when we come together to ensure that all people be treated equally, fairly, and above all, humanely. And the Illinois Trust Act sends a clear message to those seeking to divide us that in Illinois, diversity and inclusivity are valued over hate and intolerance.”