| Catholic Conference of Illinois
2007 State Immigration Initiatives in Illinois
The Catholic Conference of Illinois (CCI) supports efforts that respect and enhance the human dignity of all persons. We must work towards comprehensive efforts to assist those immigrants who are members of our parishes and communities in becoming U.S. citizens. At the federal level, we continue to work towards comprehensive immigration reform to fix the broken immigration system. At the state level, there are two state budget initiatives that CCI supports to assist immigrants in achieving citizenship, through education and legal assistance, as well as one legislative proposal that helps immigrants who already contribute to our state to come out of the shadows and become fuller participants in our communities.
1. “We Want to Learn English” Initiative
The “We Want to Learn English” Initiative would provide $25 million each year in state funding for English classes for immigrants. We expect that Catholic organizations could apply for and receive this funding to serve immigrants in our parishes and communities. This initiative is also set out in Senate Bill 1446.
2. New Americans Initiative
The New Americans Initiative provides assistance to immigrants in becoming U.S. citizens. Through the program, community organizations provide:
- Outreach to immigrants about becoming citizens;
- Citizenship preparation (such as referrals to English or civics classes);
- Assistance in applying for citizenship, including filling out applications and some legal assistance.
This year, efforts are underway to make the New Americans Initiative a permanent program with funding of $3.5 million each year in the state budget.
3. House Bill 1100: “Road Safety and Mandatory Insurance Coverage Act”
In addition to the two budget initiatives described above to assist immigrants in becoming U.S. citizens, there is legislation that would assist immigrants who are not eligible to apply for a driver’s license to drive safely and legally in Illinois. House Bill 1100 allows for drivers without a Social Security number to obtain a “Driver’s Certificate” (distinguishable from a driver’s license) to allow them to drive legally and obtain auto insurance. The driver’s certificate shall not be used for federal identification or any other purposes. CCI is supportive of this legislation.
Please contact Bob Gilligan or Marilou Gervacio at (312) 368-1066 or (217) 528-9200 with any questions.
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