State Representative Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, member of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus, gave the following statement at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights’ (ICIRR) Advocacy Day Rally on Wednesday:
“I am proud to have stood alongside an organization that is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees so they can have full and equal participation in our state. I applaud the work the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has done through the Immigrant Integration Services Line Item. The New American Initiative has helped over 105,000 legal permanent residents become U.S. citizens and the Immigrant Family Resource Program has provided access to essential government services to over 500,000 people in 59 different languages.”
“However, at a time when immigrants and refugees are under attack, the governor has proposed to gut their funding, and that is unacceptable. Integration services are vital public investments that aid immigrants and enable them to earn more and contribute to our state’s economy.”
“The agenda of the new administration has shaken Latino and Muslim communities throughout the nation. So while I commend the governor’s recent initiative to address the rise in hate crimes, there is still much more work to be done to ensure everyone is protected. If the governor is serious about his commitment to support immigrant communities he should reinstate funding for these vital services and work with us on the ACCESS Bill and the Illinois TRUST Act, which would protect and build trust between local police departments and immigrant communities. I continue to urge Governor Rauner to reassure our communities that he will do everything he can to protect all ethnic and religious minorities who are here raising families and contributing to our state.” State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez is a member of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and represents the 24th District, which includes Cicero, Little Village, Berwyn, Brookfield, Riverside, and Stickney.
(Pictured: State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez joined by Rep. Guzzardi, Rep. Andrade, Rep. Welch, and Rep. Mah at Advocacy Day Rally)
