Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and NIAC Action Condemn the Government’s Attempt to Make the “Backdoor Muslim Ban” Permanent

Groups Announce the Launch of Portals to Facilitate Public Comment on the Troubling Proposal

For Immediate Release
Friday, September 1, 2017
Brandon Lee
blee@advancingjustice-chicago.org
773-271-0899 x200

Chicago, IL – Asian Americans Advancing Justice (“Advancing Justice”), the Council on American-Islamic Relations (“CAIR”), and NIAC Action strongly condemn the federal government’s proposal to make its “Backdoor Muslim Ban” permanent, and announce the launch of web portals to facilitate public comment.

In May of this year, the Department of State (“DOS”) asked for and received permission to implement a temporary measure allowing it to collect vast amounts of information from certain individuals applying for U.S. visas.  Some of the most troubling aspects of the collection include a new, mandatory requirement that applicants provide all social media platforms and handles used in the last five years, as well as a new requirement that applicants provide the details of their domestic and international travel history (including the sources of funding for the travel) for the past fifteen years. (more…)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 28, 2017

CONTACT:

Brandon Lee
773-271-0899 x200
blee@advancingjustice-chicago.org

TRUST Act Signed into Law in Illinois

New law establishes nation’s strongest state-level due process protections against deportation, makes Illinois a more welcoming state for immigrants

CHICAGO, IL — Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner (R) signed the Illinois TRUST Act (SB 31) into law this morning, enacting the nation’s strongest state-level due process protections for immigrants who fear any interaction with local police could result in deportation.   (more…)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Joanna Klonsky
312-307-0840
joanna@joannaklonsky.com

Gov. Rauner signs automatic voter registration bill after bipartisan passage in legislature

Illinois becomes a national leader in expanding voting rights, access

SPRINGFIELD (August 28, 2017) — Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed Senate Bill 1933 to create automatic voter registration in Illinois on Monday, the culmination of years of organizing and legislative work by lawmakers and advocates in the Just Democracy Illinois coalition of civic and voting rights groups.

Illinois is now the 10th state (plus Washington, D.C.) to enact automatic voter registration (AVR) into law, and is the first midwestern state to do so. (more…)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Brandon Lee
Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago
773-271-0899 x200
blee@advancingjustice-chicago.org

Advancing Justice Condemns President’s Pardon of Arpaio and Directive to Implement a Transgender Ban

Washington, D.C. — On Friday, August 25, President Trump continued to side with racists and bigots by pardoning former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio — who had been convicted of criminal contempt in a case involving racial profiling of Latino immigrants — and continuing with a military directive to implement a transgender ban. While the White House also announced the departure of controversial advisor Sebastian Gorka, who promoted white supremacist views, the other actions on Friday indicate this administration is charging ahead with its divisive agenda.

In response, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a coalition of five civil rights organizations, issues the following statement: (more…)

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Brandon Lee
Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago
773-259-5288
blee@advancingjustice-chicago.org

Community groups encouraged by Rauner’s comments on Illinois TRUST Act

TRUST will protect immigrant families and promote public safety

CHICAGO – Appearing on WBEZ’s Morning Shift program this morning, Governor Bruce Rauner spoke enthusiastically about  about the Illinois TRUST Act, noting the broad support behind the bill among immigrant communities, business, law enforcement, and other allies.  He called the bill “very reasonable” and said that an announcement regarding the bill would come shortly.

“We are encouraged by Governor Rauner’s positive comments this morning regarding the Illinois TRUST Act,” said Andrew Kang, legal director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago. “This moves Illinois one step closer to common-sense, Constitutional, state-level public safety policy.”

Under the TRUST Act, local police cannot comply with federal immigration detainers and warrants not issued by a judge. Local police also cannot stop, search, or arrest anyone based on that person’s immigration or citizenship status. (more…)