J.B. Pritzker on Immigration

	J.B. Pritzker on Immigration

Deport violent criminals, not law-abiding immigrants

They're going after people who are law-abiding, who are holding down jobs, who have families here, who may have been here for a decade or two decades, and they're often our neighbors and our friends. These are not people who are causing problems in our country, and what we need is a path to citizenship for them. We need to secure our border. We need to get rid of the violent criminals, but we also need to protect people who are just doing what we hope that immigrants will do. Source: CNN SOTU 2025 interview on 2026 Illinois Gubernatorial race , Jan 26, 2025

Won't shut the immigration door once open to our ancestors

I've spoken many times about my own family's refugee history. I will not join the chorus of people in this country or in this chamber who eagerly look to slam shut an immigration door that was once open to our ancestors. Listen, maybe some of you think we should just say, "this is not our problem," and that we should let the migrant families starve or freeze to death. But that's not what decent Midwesterners do. That's not what leaders do. Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature , Feb 21, 2024

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

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

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

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

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*Other governors on Immigration:*			*J.B. Pritzker on other issues:*
*IL Gubernatorial:* Barack Obama Jesse Sullivan Paul Schimpf Richard Irvin *IL Senatorial:* Anne Stava-Murray Kathy Salvi Mark Curran Peggy Hubbard Tammy Duckworth	*Gubernatorial races 2025:* *New Jersey Governor:* Democratic primary June 10, 2025: Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark (2014-present) Steven Fulop, Mayor of Jersey City (2013-present) Josh Gottheimer, U.S. Rep. NJ-5 (since 2017) Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Rep. NJ-11 (since 2019); elected Nov. 4. Stephen Sweeney, N.J.Senate President (2010-2022) Republican primary June 10, 2025: Jon Bramnick, State Senator (since 2022); Minority Leader (2012-2022) Jack Ciattarelli, State Assemblyman (2011-2018), governor nominee (2021 & 2025); lost general election Edward Durr, State Senator 3rd district (2022-2024); withdrew *Virginia Governor:* Democratic primary June 17 cancelled: Abigail Spanberger, U.S.Rep., VA-7 (2019-2024); Dem. nominee 2025; elected Nov. 4. Levar Stoney, VA Secretary of the Commonwealth (2014-2016); (withdrew to run for Lt. Gov.) Republican primary June 17 cancelled: Winsome Earle-Sears, Lt. Gov. since 2022; GOP nominee 2025; lost general election Amanda Chase, State Senate District 11 (2016-2023); failed to make ballot Denver Riggleman, U.S.Rep. (R-VA-5); exploratory committee as Independent Glenn Youngkin, Incumbent Governor , (2022-2025), term-limited	*Mayoral races 2025:* *NYC Mayor Democratic primary June 24, 2025:* Adrienne Adams, speaker of the City Council Andrew Cuomo, former governor of New York, 2011-2021 (Independent candidate). Zohran Mamdani, New York State Assembly, 2021-2025 (Democratic nominee); elected Nov. 4. Republican June 24 primary cancelled; general election Nov. 4: Eric Adams, incumbent Democratic mayor running as an independent Jim Walden, Independent; Former assistant U.S. Attorney Curtis Sliwa, Republican nominee; CEO of the Guardian Angels *Jersey City Mayor (Non-partisan)* Non-partisan general election Nov. 4; runoff Dec. 2: Mussab Ali, former president of the Jersey City Board of Education Steven Fulop, outgoing Mayor (2013-2025) Bill O'Dea, Hudson County commissioner (since 1997) Jim McGreevey, former N.J. Governor (2002-2004) James Solomon, city councilor (since 2017) Joyce Watterman, president of the Jersey City Council (since 2023) *Oakland CA Mayor* Non-partisan special election April 14, 2025: Barbara Lee, U.S.Rep CA-12 (1998-2025) Loren Taylor, Oakland City Council (2019-2023), lost general election Sheng Thao, Oakland Mayor, lost recall election Nov. 5, 2024	Abortion Budget/Economy Civil Rights Corporations Crime Drugs Education Energy/Oil Environment Families/Children Foreign Policy Free Trade Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Infrastructure/Technology Jobs Local Issues Principles/Values Social Security Tax Reform War/Iraq/Mideast Welfare/Poverty [Title9]