State of Illinois Archives: on Immigration
J.B. Pritzker:
Will not be complicit in shameful, draconian policies
We stood up for human rights and civil rights when we put Donald Trump on notice that Illinois will not be complicit in his shameful and draconian immigration policies.
We opted in--to welcoming refugees to Illinois--continuing a proud tradition in this state that stretches back to my great grandparents, welcomed here a century ago after fleeing anti-Semitism in Europe.
Source: 2020 Illinois State of the State address
Jan 29, 2020
Mark Curran:
For border wall; but path to citizenship for DREAMers
I support a border wall as well as increased funding for both Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol Agents.
I support maintaining our sovereignty and stopping the flow of illegal immigration.
I support legislation regarding both DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and Dreamers (Dream Act) Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors.
These people did not choose to come here voluntarily. Their families brought them here. We would be less of a Nation if we deported them to a place they no longer know. I also support a path to citizenship for Dreamers.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
Tammy Baldwin:
Supports immigrants in US and immigration reform
As the daughter of an immigrant and a Daughter of the American Revolution, Senator Duckworth is an advocate for comprehensive, fair, and just immigration reform because she believes that America is at its best when we embrace our nation's rich
immigrant heritage. She understands that immigrants strengthen our economy and our communities by working hard every day to build a better life for themselves and their families and is working to advance immigration policies that reflect that reality.
Source: 2022 Illinois Senate campaign website baldwin.senate.gov
Oct 16, 2019
Mark Curran:
Supports Trump on funding for border/ICE agents, border wall
Curran said, "With regards to those here illegally--it's a mess, and has been for some time." He referred to measures that have not been able to get from the U.S. Congress to the President's desk, saying the issue is at
a stalemate. "There's not enough funding for border agents, ICE agents, or the wall--and I support the President on those issues," he said. "I guarantee I know more about immigration than all of the other candidates."
[Curran's opponent] Dr. Tom Tarter responded by saying he's writing a white paper on the issue regarding the "DREAMers" who came to America with their parents illegally, saying he would not allow those
DREAMers that had committed felonies to become citizens, but he would specifically allow those that have served in the military to become citizens
Source: Illinois Review on 2020 Illinois Senate debate
Sep 22, 2019
Mark Curran:
Backed bipartisan legislation with path for citizenship
Curran has been somewhat of an outlier on immigration issues in contrast to President Donald Trump and other Republicans. Curran has repeatedly called for comprehensive immigration reform and backed the
2013 bipartisan legislation that contained a path to citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally and overwhelmingly passed the Senate but was never called in the Republican-led House.
Source: Chicago Tribune on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Aug 7, 2019
J.B. Pritzker:
Protect immigrant families by ending cooperation with ICE
Legislative Summary: HB1637: The Attorney General shall propose new rules related to limiting assistance with immigration enforcement to the fullest extent possible consistent with federal and State law to ensure that facilities remain
safe and accessible to all Illinois residents, regardless of immigration status.Analysis by Lawndale News: Its chief aim is to protect families from being torn apart by U.S. immigration and ending all cooperation in the case of this
practice of family separation. Further, this Act will end the practice of Illinois counties informing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of any undocumented in Illinois jails in an effort to prevent deportation proceedings.
Such an Act would end any and all partnerships in Illinois with ICE.
Legislative Outcome: House 67-50-1 on May/27/19; Passed Senate 35-19-5 on May/30/19; Signed by Governor J. B. Pritzker on Jun/21/19
Source: Capitol News Illinois on Illinois voting record HB1637
Jun 21, 2019
Anne Stava-Murray:
Protect immigrant families by ending cooperation with ICE
Legislative Summary: HB1637: The Attorney General shall propose new rules related to limiting assistance with immigration enforcement to the fullest extent possible consistent with federal and State law to ensure that facilities remain
safe and accessible to all Illinois residents, regardless of immigration status.Analysis by Lawndale News: Its chief aim is to protect families from being torn apart by U.S. immigration and ending all cooperation in the case of this
practice of family separation. Further, this Act will end the practice of Illinois counties informing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of any undocumented in Illinois jails in an effort to prevent deportation proceedings. Such an Act
would end any and all partnerships in Illinois with ICE.
Legislative Outcome: House 67-50-1 on May/27/19; Anne Stava-Murray co-sponsored the bill and voted YES; Passed Senate 35-19-5 on May/30/19; Signed by Gov. Pritzker on Jun/21/19
Source: Capitol News Illinois on Illinois voting record HB1637
May 27, 2019
Darren Bailey:
State should not end cooperation with ICE
Legislative Summary:˙HB1637: The Attorney General shall propose new rules related to limiting assistance with immigration enforcement to the fullest extent possible consistent with federal and State law to ensure that facilities remain
safe and accessible to all Illinois residents, regardless of immigration status.Analysis by Lawndale News:˙Its chief aim is to protect families from being torn apart by U.S. immigration and ending all cooperation in the case of this
practice of family separation. Further, this Act will end the practice of Illinois counties informing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of any undocumented in Illinois jails in an effort to prevent deportation proceedings. Such an Act would
end any and all partnerships in Illinois with ICE.
Legislative Outcome:˙House 67-50-1 on May/27/19; State Rep. Darren Bailey voted NO; Passed Senate 35-19-5 on May/30/19; Signed by Gov. Pritzker on Jun/21/19
Source: Capitol News Illinois on Illinois voting record HB1637
May 27, 2019
J.B. Pritzker:
Welcome refugees; end Muslim ban
JB Pritzker released the following statement on World Refugee Day:"Who we are as Americans is being tested by how we treat the thousands of families fleeing for their lives, seeking refuge in the land of the free," said JB Pritzker. "But
Bruce Rauner and Donald Trump have not only turned a blind eye, but actively refused refugees from entering our state and country.
Whether it's Rauner rejecting Syrian refugees or Trump separating families and banning Muslims, these silent partners closing our doors to mothers, fathers, and children is a grave moral failing. We are a state and nation of immigrants, and we
must welcome all with open arms. When I'm governor, I will fiercely fight against inhumanities like separating families at our border and denying refugees a new place to call home because the core values of this country depend on it."
Source: 2018 Illinois Gubernatorial website JBPritzker.com
Jun 20, 2018
J.B. Pritzker:
Aid for undocumented people
I will enhance funding for immigrant and refugee services, increase health care options for undocumented adults, improve the U-Visa certification process for victims of violent crimes, provide access to financial aid for
undocumented students, oppose a federal registry program based on race, religion, and country of origin, and I will sign pro-immigrant laws like the Illinois Trust Act.
Source: 2018 Illinois Gubernatorial website JBPritzker com
Sep 15, 2017
Chris Kennedy:
Against mass deportation, for reform and DACA
To protect our undocumented residents here in Illinois, Chris would uphold the Trust Act and resist any effort by the federal government to pursue forceful and organized deportation. At the same time, he would use his leadership role as governor
to convince the congressional delegation to support comprehensive immigration reform, and support the multi-state lawsuit to protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that was established under President Obama.
Source: 2018 Illinois Gubernatorial website KennedyForIllinois.com
Sep 1, 2017
Daniel Biss:
Protect undocumented immigrants
Daniel backed the Trust Act, which creates safe havens for immigrants in state buildings and prevents
Illinois law enforcement from assisting in federal immigration actions without a warrant.
Source: 2018 Illinois Gubernatorial website DanielBiss.com
Sep 1, 2017
Bruce Rauner:
State won't help or impede immigration enforcement
The version Rauner signed is only four pages long, and all of the language on arrests at public or publicly funded facilities has been deleted. It contains two directives for state and local police:
Officers cannot detain people without a warrant from a judge and they can't 'stop, arrest, search, detain, or continue to detain a person solely based on an individual's citizenship or immigration status.
Source: BetterGov.org FactCheck on 2018 Illinois gubernatorial race
Jul 17, 2017
Daniel Biss:
Criticized governor for attempt to curb immigration
Biss last year ran a political action committee that sought to link Rauner to President Donald Trump. At his campaign announcement this year,
Biss criticized Rauner for refusing to speak out against Trump's attempts to curb immigration, to ban abortion and to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Source: Chicago Tribune on 2018 Illinois gubernatorial race
Mar 20, 2017
Raja Krishnamoorthi:
Supports DREAM Act and path to citizenship
As the son of legal immigrants to the U.S., Raja recognizes that our country is a nation of immigrants as well as a nation of laws. There is no question that our current system is broken and must be repaired. He will work in Congress for comprehensive
immigration reform that protects our homeland, secures our borders, and offers a path to citizenship for undocumented workers who have staked roots in this country, lived peacefully without incident, and have agreed to pay penalties and fines,
pay their taxes, learn English, and go to the back of the line.Raja also supports the DREAM Act to provide a path to citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants who have known no other home and meaningfully staked their roots in America.
Raja believes that foreign students who have earned a graduate degree in the U.S. and entrepreneurs who have secured enough investment to start a business here should be granted a temporary visa to pursue their dreams in our country.
Source: 2016 Illinois House campaign website RajaForCongress.com
Nov 8, 2016
Mark Kirk:
First secure the border; then path to citizenship
Q: On Immigration: Support the DREAM Act, which would allow children brought into the country illegally to achieve legal status if they meet certain conditions? Duckworth: Yes
Kirk: Voted against it in 2010. Now supports it.
Q: On Immigration: Should America's 11 million undocumented residents have an earned path to citizenship?
Duckworth: Yes
Kirk: Only as part of a two-step reform: first secure the border and then create a path to citizenship.
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Illinois Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Sharon Hansen:
Protect the borders; prevent illegal entry
Question topic: Government should enforce laws designed to protect the border and to prevent illegal entry of persons into the country.
Hansen: Strongly Agree. Our borders need to be secured and all illegals deported before any changes are made to the immigration system. This is our nation's biggest security threat.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Illinois Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Doug Truax:
First secure the border, then no comprehensive reform
On immigration, both Truax and Oberweis agree that there should be a path to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. illegally as children. But they oppose a Senate-passed bill, which Durbin helped craft, that would provide a path to citizenship for
adults and children in the U.S. illegally while increasing the number of agents along the border.Oberweis said he would propose a different approach: visas for immigrants here illegally, but no special path to citizenship.
Those immigrants would pay taxes and have the freedom to cross in and out of the U.S. but would not be allowed to vote or participate in entitlement programs, Oberweis said.
Truax said Congress should focus first on securing the border.
He said he would resist a comprehensive reform bill because Obama can't be trusted to implement complex legislation. "We've got to get down to specific pieces, and then if the president sticks to that, then we can move on to the second piece," Truax said
Source: Chicago Tribune on 2014 Illinois GOP Senate primary debate
Feb 11, 2014
Jim Oberweis:
Visas for illegal immigrants, but no path to citizenship
On immigration, both Truax and Oberweis agree that there should be a path to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. illegally as children. But they oppose a Senate-passed bill, which Durbin helped craft, that would provide a path to citizenship for
adults and children in the U.S. illegally while increasing the number of agents along the border.Oberweis said he would propose a different approach: visas for immigrants here illegally, but no special path to citizenship.
Those immigrants would pay taxes and have the freedom to cross in and out of the U.S. but would not be allowed to vote or participate in entitlement programs, Oberweis said.
Truax said Congress should focus first on securing the border.
He said he would resist a comprehensive reform bill because Obama can't be trusted to implement complex legislation. "We've got to get down to specific pieces, and then if the president sticks to that, then we can move on to the second piece," Truax said
Source: Chicago Tribune on 2014 Illinois GOP Senate primary debate
Feb 11, 2014
Richard Durbin:
Reform will increase coordination & reduce terrorism
Q: What are your questions about US intelligence agencies on the [Boston Marathon] bombing? Is there something that troubled you in particular?DURBIN: Yes. I can tell you what troubles me. The current immigration system in America is broken down.
We've got to change it. I've been sitting for more than three months with a bipartisan group of senators talking about making America safer. The immigration reform bill will make this a stronger nation, not just at the border with Mexico, and will
strengthen that, but also that we need to track the visas coming into the United States, the visitor visas, the student visas, so that we know not only when they arrive but when they leave. That is not working today.
Q: Why isn't it working?
DURBIN: It's hard to believe 12 years after 9/11 we're having this conversation, but there is not enough coordination between these different agencies so that we know someone should not have been re-admitted to the US. Our bill addresses that directly.
Source: CNN SOTU 2013 interview on 2014 Illinois Senate race
May 5, 2013
Richard Durbin:
Extend partner immigration rights to gay couples
Q: There is a push by the gay community that once the partner is in the U.S. or is an American citizen, that that right for a partner to immigrate needs to be expanded to same-sex couples.DURBIN: I believe that it's consistent with the position
we should have marriage equality, and therefore, recognize marriages between people from the same gender. Now, this is a hot issue. It's a contentious issue. If we can find a way through this to protect that basic right of an individual and
still pass immigration reform, that's what I want to achieve.
Q: What about DOMA?
DURBIN: The Supreme Court has taken up DOMA [overturning the Defense of Marriage Act, which would ensure equal immigration rights for gay couples].
And that decision on DOMA may preclude this whole conversation. They may help us reach the right place in this whole conversation.
Source: CNN SOTU 2013 interview on 2014 Illinois Senate race
May 5, 2013
Richard Durbin:
Immigration reform bill makes America safer
I'll return tomorrow [to Congress] for the 2nd hearing on the new immigration reform bill. Let me put it in context. There are four specific provisions in this immigration reform bill that will make America safer. We are going to have a stronger border
with Mexico. We are going to have 11 million people come forward and have an opportunity to register with our government, out of the shadows. We're going to have verification of employment in the work place. And we're finally going to have a system where
we can track visa holders who visit the United States to make sure that they leave when they're supposed to. So this is part of the ongoing conversation about a safer America and the immigration reform bill moves us closer.The worst thing we can do is
nothing. If we do nothing, leaving 11 million people in the shadows, not making our border safer, not having the information that comes from employment and these visa holders, we will be less safe in America. Immigration reform will make us safer.
Source: Meet the Press 2013 on 2014 Illinois Senate race
Apr 21, 2013
Richard Durbin:
Our border with Mexico is strongest it's been in 40 years
Q: Could you accept temporary legal status for illegals before the border has actually been secured?Sen. CORNYN (R-TX): So much of [immigration reform] is regaining the public's confidence that the federal government is actually doing its job. So,
until that confidence is restored on the basis of what the legislation provides, I would have difficulty supporting it.
Sen. DURBIN (D-IL): Our border with Mexico is the safest and strongest it's been in 40 years. We have invested billions of dollars
into border enforcement. We're putting more money into border enforcement than we're putting into the FBI and the Secret Service and ATF and DEA combined. If we don't meet all the goals that we've set in years to come, we'll put more in more investment
there.
Q: Is the 90% border apprehension rate a goal or a trigger?
DURBIN: Well, I think it's both. We're committed to it. Every Republican at the table said we've got to start with border security. I think we've kept the faith on that issue.
Source: Fox News Sunday 2013, on 2014 Illinois Senate race
Apr 14, 2013
Mark Curran:
Deporting working people with families is absolutely wrong
I believe in the rule of law. We're talking about people that have been here for 20 years and they have five children that are U.S. citizens.
And they came here under this message: "Don't worry about it. You can get into this country. You can work, and nobody's ever going to ask about it." Now we're going to deport them? To me that's absolutely wrong.
Source: PBS Frontline on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Oct 18, 2011
Mark Curran:
When rights of one are in jeopardy, rights of all are
Q: Do you worry if you deny due process to any individual, with or without papers, that makes it easier for due process to be denied to an American citizen?CURRAN: Absolutely. When the rights of one are in jeopardy, then the rights of all are.
I think that that's clearly a concern, because if our law tends to go in that direction and say that something is no longer constitutional, what's to prevent it from being broadened or expanded to take that right away from you or me as well?
Source: PBS Frontline on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Oct 18, 2011
Alexi Giannoulias:
Comprehensive reform with responsible path to citizenship
Our immigration system is broken. The number of undocumented workers continues to grow by about 500,000 per year, and the system that oversees the immigration process is weighed down by bureaucracy and lack of funding. The US needs comprehensive
immigration reform that protects the rights of all workers and modernizes our legal immigration programs: Alexi supports efforts to protect the integrity of our borders by adding personnel, infrastructure and technology at our ports and borders.
Most undocumented immigrants come to the US in search of employment. The federal government must increase its enforcement of existing immigration laws and hold accountable the companies that provide jobs for undocumented immigrants.We should place th
nation's 12 million undocumented immigrants on a responsible path to citizenship. Alexi supports a plan that requires undocumented workers to pay a fine for entering the country illegally, learn English, pay taxes and wait in line to become citizens.
Source: 2010 Senate campaign website, AlexiForIllinois.com, "Issues"
Dec 25, 2009
Alexi Giannoulias:
Don't punish immigrant kids; DREAM Act yes; REAL ID no
- Children who have grown up in the US and are upstanding citizens should not be punished for their parent's illegal immigration.
- Alexi supports the bipartisan DREAM Act to provide certain undocumented immigrant students the opportunity to earn
conditional permanent residency if they have graduated from U.S. high schools, are of good moral character, and have been in the country continuously for at least five years.
- The Federal government's response to the problems facing our broken
immigration system must not be REAL ID--an unfunded mandate that infringes on the privacy rights of our citizens by forcing all workers to have a government issued ID that must be verified before they can begin work.
- The "Secure America with
Immigration and Enforcement" (SAVE Act) and other enforcement-only legislation do not solve the difficult problems facing our immigration system. Forcing undocumented workers underground distracts us from the core issues facing the immigration system
Source: 2010 Senate campaign website, AlexiForIllinois.com, "Issues"
Dec 25, 2009
Cynthia McKinney:
Illegal immigration shouldn’t be a labor policy
McKinney answered questions from the crowd on issues including illegal immigration. She said she disagreed with the term “illegal immigration” and that the issue is a result of
American economic, military and foreign policy. “Illegal immigration shouldn’t be a labor policy, just as war shouldn’t be an energy policy,” McKinney said.
Source: Codell Rodriguez in The Southern Illinoisian
Dec 8, 2007
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021