STATEMENT: Protecting Immigrant Families – Illinois applauds Cook County Board’s Resolution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

Contact: Manuel Gonzales, Communications Manager, Latino Policy Forum
303-880-5954, mgonzales@latinopolicyforum.org

Protecting Immigrant Families – Illinois applauds Cook County Board’s Resolution

Coalition of Advocates Calls on All Elected Officials in Illinois to Fight this Cruel Attack on Immigrant Families

Protecting Immigrant Families – Illinois is a diverse coalition of advocates from leading immigrant rights, anti-poverty, and health organizations fighting back against the Trump Administration’s latest attack on immigrant families. The Administration is seeking to drastically change the scope of the so-called “public charge” doctrine to count use of a broader range of public benefits. This would pave the way for the federal government to bar immigrants it deems too old, not wealthy enough, not educated enough, or too limited in job skills or experience from gaining lawful status.

The proposed rule would threaten the legal status of millions of immigrant families in Illinois and nationwide. Under this inhumane new standard, immigration officials could penalize immigrants seeking green cards or visas to come to the U.S. if they have received, or are judged likely to receive, health coverage through Medicaid; certain prescription drug subsidies; food assistance; public housing or housing vouchers; and cash assistance. The proposed rule has already caused families to unnecessarily disenroll from crucial assistance programs and has created fear among communities.

No family should have to choose between meeting their basic needs and being with their loved ones. Protecting Immigrant Families – Illinois applauds the Cook County Board for standing up for immigrants, justice, and fairness. We call on all other Illinois elected officials to fight back against this cruel proposal and defend our State’s immigrant families.

Coalition partners and other groups represented at the event include:

  • Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
  • The Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law
  • Latino Policy Forum
  • Legal Council for Health Justice
  • Elevate Energy
  • Erie Family Health Centers
  • Aids Foundation of Chicago
  • Greater Chicago Food Depository
  • Health & Medicine Policy Research Group
  • Housing Action Illinois
  • Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP)
  • Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services
  • National Immigrant Justice Center, Heartland Alliance
  • The Ounce of Prevention Fund
  • The DuPage Federation
  • YMCA Champaign
  • Healthy Illinois Campaign

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