Bill awaits signature of Gov. Rauner to become law and set state apart as safe zone for immigrant families

SPRINGFIELD–Following is the statement of SEIU Healthcare Illinois President Greg Kelley voicing support for passage of Senate Bill 31, the Trust Act, which protects law-abiding immigrant families from being targeted for deportation:
“Passage of Senate Bill 31, known as the Trust Act, moves Illinois a step closer to becoming a sanctuary where immigrants can live without fear of their families being separated or being targeted unjustly for deportation.
“We applaud members of the State Assembly for rebuffing the anti-immigration paranoia of the Trump administration that has led to numerous and unnecessary deportations, many of which have traumatized law abiding, tax paying immigrant families who have lived in the U.S. for years.
“The law prohibits profiling of immigrants who could be stopped, searched or arrested based on their citizenship status. The law also requires a court-ordered warrant to hold a person for immigration purposes, among other protections.
“What the law fails to do is prevent state agencies from participating in the establishment registries based on immigration status, ethnicity or religion, specifically a Muslim registry. We will continue to fight to prevent the establishment of such registries.
“This law will make Illinois a beacon for immigrants seeking a better life and willing to contribute to making Illinois an even better state. We encourage Gov. Rauner to sign the bill as soon as it lands on his desk.”
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