Hernandez-Backed Protections for Immigrant Parents and their Children Signed Into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation supported by state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, that will streamline the guardianship process for minors in the case that their parent is detained or deported was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“The anxiety and fear that immigrant parents and their children face because of Donald Trump’s bigotry is unacceptable,” Hernandez said. “By streamlining the guardianship process in Illinois, we’re providing parents much needed peace of mind in the case their family is separated as they’ll know that their children will be cared for by a loved one.”

Hernandez was a lead supporter of House Bill 836, which streamlines the guardianship process for minors in the case that a parent or guardian is detained, deported or otherwise separated from their children due to Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant policies. Under the Hernandez-backed law, the courts now have the ability to proceed with a petition for guardianship of a minor if documentation is provided that the parent or parents are unable to receive notice or give consent. The law would also allow a short-term guardian to renew their guardianship for an additional year if the parent or parents remain unable to care for their children.

“The guardianship process can be time consuming and very complicated if you’re not an attorney, which is why this was necessary,” Hernandez added. “I am so proud of the progress we’ve made at the state-level, making it clear to Donald Trump and his bigoted allies that Illinois is a welcoming state that is ready to fight for the rights of families and children.”