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.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  – Illinois landlords will now be prohibited from using immigration status to harass or threaten tenants with eviction under a new law from state Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago.

“It is more important than ever for Illinois to stand up as an inclusive and welcoming state,” Mah said. “This law reflects our state’s values of openness and tolerance by protecting immigrant families in our communities from discriminatory landlords.”

Mah sponsored Senate Bill 1290, the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act, to restrict the ability of landlords to threaten, punish or evict a tenant based on their actual or perceived immigration status. The law also prohibits landlords from disclosing a tenant’s immigration status to law enforcement agencies. Illinois joins California as the second state to enact an immigrant tenant protection law.

“Unlike the administration of President Trump, which attacks and dehumanizes immigrants every chance it gets, it is clear that Illinois will fight to protect immigrants and immigrant families from discrimination, hate and intolerance,” Mah said. “This law will help families in our communities to live without the fear of losing their homes.”

Mah represents the 2nd District, which includes the Chicago neighborhoods of Back of the Yards, Bridgeport, Brighton Park, Chinatown, McKinley Park, and Pilsen.