Kalish-Backed Reform to Protect Immigrant Tenants Now Law

CHICAGO – Immigrant families will have additional tenant rights and protections from discriminatory landlords under a new law backed by state Rep. Yehiel “Mark” Kalish, D-Chicago, prohibiting landlords from threatening or discriminating against individuals because of their immigration status.

“Every resident of our community deserves to feel safe at their home regardless of their immigration status,” Kalish said. “While Donald Trump continues his attacks on immigrant communities, it’s vital that Illinois embraces inclusivity and diversity by creating statewide protections for immigrant families.”

Kalish supported Senate Bill 1290, the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act, to restrict the ability of a landlord to threaten, evict or punish a tenant based solely on their actual or perceived immigration or citizenship status. Additionally, the measure prohibits landlords from disclosing a tenant’s immigrant status to law enforcement agencies. Kalish’s bill was recently signed into law.

“President Trump’s unprecedented attacks on immigrant communities has emboldened xenophobic individuals across the nation,” Kalish said. “This new law protects immigrant families from intimidation and scare tactics made by bad-actor landlords who feel emboldened by the president’s disgraceful rhetoric.”