Ramirez Votes to Improve Guardianship Process for Children of Undocumented Immigrants

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –State Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Chicago, voted to pass legislation that would remove current barriers for undocumented parents to designate a legal guardian for their children in the case of deportation or detention.

“Trump’s bigoted rhetoric towards our immigrant community has brought unnecessary fear and anxiety to the two million immigrants and mixed-status families in Illinois,” Ramirez said. “This legislation proves that we stand with our immigrant community and that we believe every child should remain with loved ones in moments of hardship.”

Ramirez is co-sponsor of House Bill 836, which would improve the process of designating a legal guardian for minors in the case of a family being torn apart by Trump’s deportation officers. The current legal system poses many barriers for parents who seek custody for their children while being detained by immigration officials.  The Ramirez-backed measure improves the legal process by clarifying when a court has jurisdiction to move forward with guardianship matters, identifying necessary documentation for guardianship petitions, and extending short-term guardianship.

“What Donald Trump is doing to immigrant families and their children is a violation of basic human rights, so we must take action at the state-level to ensure their well-being,” Ramirez said. “This fight will not end until the legal system treats undocumented immigrants with dignity and justice, reflecting our values.”