State Senator Andrew S. Chesney | Illinois General Assembly
State Senator Andrew S. Chesney | Illinois General Assembly
A group of Republican legislators in Illinois is taking action to address the migrant crisis that is overwhelming state and community resources. State Senators Andrew Chesney and Dave Syverson, along with Assistant House Republican Leader John M. Cabello and State Representative Joe Sosnowski, held a press conference at the Capitol to discuss the issue and propose solutions.
The lawmakers attribute the crisis to weak border policies by the Biden Administration and Illinois laws that act as incentives for undocumented individuals to come to the state. Senator Chesney criticized Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lightfoot for creating an environment that welcomes illegal immigrants and asylum seekers. He stated, "They rolled out the welcome mat for illegal immigrants and asylum seekers, and are now pointing fingers everywhere but at themselves."
Senator Chesney also spoke about the chaos that ensued when a plane carrying over 350 migrants arrived at the Rockford airport with little notice. He expressed concerns about the possibility of more planes carrying migrants landing in Rockford and the need for a comprehensive response.
One of the proposed legislative solutions is the repeal of portions of the Trust Act, which prohibits collaboration between local law enforcement and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. Leader Cabello argued that this prohibition is a major policy failure that threatens public safety and burdens local governments. He emphasized the importance of repealing the Trust Act to address the illegal immigration crisis in Illinois.
Another policy proposal aims to roll back laws that provide free healthcare for migrants and illegal immigrants in Illinois. Senator Syverson criticized the program, stating that it has exceeded its yearly appropriation in just one month and is expected to cost taxpayers as much as $1.1 billion this year. He highlighted the disparity between the healthcare benefits provided to non-citizens and the struggles faced by hard-working Illinois families with insurance.
Senator Syverson emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being of Illinois citizens, especially the most vulnerable, before opening the doors to undocumented individuals from various countries. He called for a shift in focus towards providing care and services to Illinois veterans and citizens with disabilities.
A third bill in the legislative package would provide a framework for free travel back to their home country or to another sanctuary city or state for migrants and illegal immigrants. The legislators believe that this measure would offer a solution and accountability to Illinois taxpayers.
Representative Sosnowski expressed the hope that these initiatives would deliver meaningful solutions if Democrats are willing to work with them. The legislative package is currently being finalized and will be filed before the February 9 deadline for the introduction of bills.
In conclusion, Republican legislators in Illinois are proposing legislative solutions to address the migrant crisis in the state. They attribute the crisis to weak border policies and Illinois laws that incentivize undocumented individuals to come to the state. The proposed solutions include the repeal of portions of the Trust Act, the roll back of laws providing free healthcare to migrants, and the provision of a framework for free travel. The legislators emphasize the importance of prioritizing the well-being of Illinois citizens and holding the Biden Administration accountable for the crisis.
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