For immediate Release: Press Statement

March 10, 2008

For more information contact:

• Catherine Salgado, 312-332-7360 x 235

Tonight, at the city council of Evanston, a pro-immigrant resolution was passed. The resolution urges Congress to end its impasse and legislate a humane comprehensive immigration reform which would resolve numerous issues, and shows the importance of moving towards solutions.

“We are confident that this resolution will set a positive example for other cities,” said Rachel Heuman, a parishioner at St. Nick’s Church and a resident of Evanston. “We want to make sure that immigrants are not seen as scapegoats and are treated with respect. This resolution will show others the importance of recognizing their contributions and will show immigrants that they are welcome in our community.”

In addition, the resolution contained language that bars city employees from inquiring about immigration or citizenship status unless required to do so by state or federal law (such as on a job application). This is seen as a preventative protection for immigrant communities as measures by other municipalities in Illinois have eroded immigrant trust in public safety institutions.

In the wake of the Waukegan city council’s approval to enter into an agreement (referred to as Section 287(g)) with US Immigration & Customs Enforcement, which would give local police immigration powers, community leaders in Waukegan have informed the Coalition that at least 5 women who were victims of domestic violence have been afraid to come forward to report the crime. In addition, many immigrant women seeking admission to domestic violence shelters have refused to go to Waukegan. “We don’t want that happening anywhere else in Illinois. We are very glad that Evanston passed this resolution. This is in the interests of public safety and it recognizes the valuable contributions of the immigrant community,” said Diego Bonesatti, ICIRR organizer. “It is an important step forward and should be seen as an example for other cities.”

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights is a state wide coalition of over 100 organizations dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society.

For more information, visit ICIRR’s website at www.icirr.org or call Catherine Salgado at 312.332.7360 ext. 235

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