Quinn issues orders aimed at helping Illinois immigrants

Posted on January 6, 2015

Gov. Pat Quinn issued two executive orders related to immigration on Monday as he prepares to leave office. (Photo by Carrie Muehling/WJBC)

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO – Outgoing Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has issued two executive orders he says are aimed at making the state more welcoming to immigrants.  

Quinn on Monday ordered the Governor's Office on New Americans to appoint a liaison in each state agency to help immigrants benefit from President Barack Obama's recent executive action. The action curbs deportation and gives work permits to some immigrants who came to the U.S. illegally.  

Quinn also says Illinois' 10 existing Welcoming Centers should assist people applying for the federal action, and state agencies must provide information on how to obtain necessary records.  

The Chicago Democrat says it's possible 4 percent of Illinois' population could benefit from Obama's action.  

Quinn also issued an order prohibiting state law enforcement agencies from detaining anyone based solely on an immigration detainer.  
 

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…