Mah Proposal to Protect Immigrant Families from Discriminating Landlords Advances in House

Springfield, Ill. – To create protections for immigrant families that rent homes, state Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, advanced legislation implementing guidelines that prohibit landlords from discriminating against a tenant based on their immigration status.

“Children shouldn’t fear having to leave their homes because of their family’s immigration status,” Mah said. “Due to the hateful rhetoric and policies being pushed by Donald Trump, many immigrant families in my community are living in fear of being evicted.”

Mah’s legislation, Senate Bill 3103, creates the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act.  The proposal prohibits landlords from disclosing a tenants’ immigration status, as well as intimidating, harassing, or evicting a tenant because of their immigration status.

Additionally, the measure creates legal remedies that tenants may take against problem landlords that violate the terms of the act.

“We must stand with immigrant families and let them know that they are not alone in the fight against Donald Trump’s scapegoating,” Mah said. “Our community’s greatest strength is its diversity. I look forward to continuing my efforts to stand up for immigrant families and getting this measure signed into law.”

Senate Bill 3103 passed the House Judiciary Civil committee this week and awaits further action in the House. For more information, please contact Mah’s constituent service office at (872) 281-5775.