Hernandez to Lead House Immigration and Human Rights Committee

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, will continue her fight for human rights and champion immigrant protections as Chair of the House Immigration and Human Rights Committee.

“During my years as a lawmaker I have always fought to promote human rights and secure protections for migrants in Illinois, and I’m glad to bring that experience to a leadership position chairing this committee,” Hernandez said. “Extremist forces led by the Trump administration are looking to curtail the freedoms of millions of Illinoisans, and it is a privilege to help led the effort to oppose them.”

Hernandez was chosen to chair the House Immigration and Human Rights Committee in part due to her record advocating for freedoms in the immigrant community. Recently, Hernandez spearheaded a law to guarantee nursing assistants in Illinois could take exams in both English and Spanish, allowing Spanish speakers more opportunities to give back to their communities while increasing the pool of caregivers in Illinois.

“Illinois is and will continue to be a haven for human rights,” Hernandez said. “In the coming session, I’m going to make sure that this committee plays a key role in Illinois’ efforts. I have the privilege of serving with a number of committed lawmakers, all of whom I’m sure will make substantial contributions as we work for a fairer future.”