As immigrants across the country face uncertain futures and attacks from the federal government, elected officials at ALMA’s Spring town hall spoke on May 15 about their hopes for immigrant communities and how they and colleagues are working to protect them.
The virtual town hall centered around the theme of “Immigration at the Intersections” and included comments from government officials from the national and state levels. Much of the focus centered on the intersectionality between LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities and how to make sure neither gets left behind in policy.
Manuel Hernández-Núñez, ALMA’s executive director and host of the town hall, began with comments about the importance of bringing together community members together with organizational leaders.
State Rep. Edgar González, Jr. of Illinois’ 23rd district said it’s “human” to be afraid. However, he said this shouldn’t paralyze people out of action, and they should keep fighting and speaking out for people’s rights. He said although people may not see what’s going on behind the scenes, they should know they are being thought of and fought for.
One of the bills in the works he mentioned was one that could allow undocumented immigrants and trans people to access state-level financial aid. González said although other bills are held up in litigation right now, he hopes they can still push for further rights protections through bills and budget allotments.
Secretary of Illinois Department of Human Services Dulce Quintero said they are working to make sure all communities are receiving factual and important information. They highlighted the Illinois Welcome Centers, comprehensive service and resource centers in different communities for refugees and immigrants in Illinois and the LGBTQ+ hotline for people in crisis.
“We know that knowledge is power. We are doing all this and more because we see what is happening today,” they said. “I want you to know you matter, I see you.”
Quintero said these intersectional communities need a budget infrastructure supporting resources and work that will close important economic gaps. They said they also appreciate those in ALMA who have reached out with ideas on how to support these communities.
However, they acknowledged there is a lot more work to be done in terms of educating people within even the Latino community about LGBTQ+ issues.
In the current climate, fear of detainment can also prevent people from seeking services, Hernández-Núñez said. To meet that need, Quintero said there are certain environments and services within communities they hope people can feel safer approaching. They said part of developing these centralized hubs is to hopefully alleviate some of those fears.
State Sen. Graciela Guzmán of Illinois’ 28th district said she and her colleagues are working to make sure constituents are well-protected before the legislative session ends this month. She called for attendees to reach out with thoughts and opinions on items in the budget and what they want to see.
Guzmán also said she was working with colleagues on how to increase knowledge of constitutional rights especially when it relates to immigrants. She brought up how many people aren’t able to be on calls such as the town hall due to other commitments, and how they also need to be served with these types of campaigns.
In terms of healthcare access for uninsured and underinsured communities, those in immigrant and queer communities can be left behind. One issue Sen. Guzmán she called out is how the government is holding funding hostage so states might forego their commitments to providing gender-affirming care and support. She stood firm in her support of healthcare as a human right and that she will continue to fight for this right for all communities.
“Part of being in a fascist, authoritarian moment … one of the first things they seek to do is to rip away our connections to community,” she said. “We have to remember in this moment, how we navigate it, is humanity.”
Congressman Chuy García (IL-04) was unable to make the meeting due to a scheduling conflict, but a short pre-recorded video was played of some of his comments for the town hall, including his firm stance against the Trump administration’s attacks on immigrants.
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03) called in from Washington D.C. in the midst of what she called “a tough week.” She said being involved with the town hall and connecting with the community would give her energy to keep fighting in the capital.
Ramirez said some of the issues she is currently working on include protecting birthright citizenship and ensuring the right to have gender X markers on passports. She also recently reintroduced the Securing Help for Immigrants Through Education and Legal Development (SHIELD) Act in order to protect legal representation for immigrants in court proceedings.
Hernández-Núñez also asked elected officials how they were building coalitions with those on the same side of the aisle who aren’t as invested in communities outside their own. González said he dealt with coworkers not initially wanting to sign off on a bill, and how important it is to recognize intersectionality and how most issues affect a wide variety of groups.
Guzmán also emphasized how important it is for community members to speak with their elected officials and explain their own reasons for why or why not certain legislation would help them. She said she had a conversation with a colleague about an issue that received 1,000+ emails and helped it to “[break] through” the noise.
“The fight ahead is not easy,” Ramirez said. “But I’m encouraged by you, and I’m encouraged by my colleagues in the general assembly who are in this call today.”