Welch, Harmon Fight to Bring Greater Protections for Immigrants, Stand Up to Trump’s Extremism

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to fight back against Donald Trump’s hateful anti-immigrant rhetoric, state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, is partnering with Senate President Pro Tempore Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, to make Illinois a welcoming state to immigrants by enacting new safe zones.

“People need to stick together in these tough times instead of trying to divide and turn us against one another,” said Welch. “So when our president uses hateful words to describe immigrants as murderers and rapists, he is trying to make them out to be the enemy of our nation when that couldn’t be more false.”

Welch and Harmon are working to establish greater protections for immigrants in Illinois, given the continued rhetoric and action currently coming from the White House. With threats of deportation to rip Illinois families apart, Welch and Harmon are working to pass Senate Bill 35.

The measure directs the Attorney General to develop model policies for the Immigrant Safe Zones Act which include protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, requirements for warrants based on probable cause and any other relevant constitutional protections. If enacted, the numerous public entities, including schools, libraries, courts, health care facilities and more, would be prohibited from engaging with Trump’s federal agencies with the intent to help facilitate deportations.

“I believe the current political climate has left immigrants feeling horribly vulnerable.  I hope this legislation gives them a sense of security in the state they call home,” said Harmon. “Immigrants in Illinois are hardworking people who contribute to our communities.  They have built their homes here. They are raising their families here. They should be treated like human beings, not taken away like criminals when they drop their children off at school.”