Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Protecting Immigrant Privacy in Court

Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation today protecting the privacy of individuals' immigration status during civil court proceedings.
 
"Someone's immigration status should never be used as a weapon against them, especially in a civil court of law," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I'm proud to sign this bill into law to ensure immigrants can seek justice without fear. In this state, we will take every action to protect our immigrant communities because they are a vital part of our state and deserve to live with dignity."
 
The new law makes it illegal to use individuals' immigration status against them in a way that would prevent them from testifying freely, comfortably and safely in civil court.
 
Evidence relating to a person's immigration status is non-admissible in any civil proceeding, with few exceptions, and a party seeking to offer evidence relating to a person's immigration status must file a written motion at least 14 days before a hearing or trial specifically describing the evidence and stating the purpose for which it is offered.
 
Senate Bill 1429 takes effect January 1, 2020.

"As the son of Indian immigrants, I know firsthand that immigrants have not pursued justice, at times, due to fear that their immigration status will be brought up in court. That ends now. Whether related to workers' compensation, harassment, discrimination, wage theft, or a whole host of other issues, all residents of our state deserve to access justice without fear," said Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). "I would like to thank Governor Pritzker for signing this legislation into law and Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz for her efforts in passing this legislation through the House."
 
"Tragically, criminals prey on immigrant communities by inappropriately using immigration status as an intimidation tactic to prevent individuals from asserting their rights under the law.  Immigrants face exploitation in the form of wage theft, sexual harassment, and loss of parental rights, just to name a few of the many ways vulnerable immigrants can be intimidated under current law," said Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview). "The signing of HB 1429 is a step forward for those in our neighborhoods living in the shadows, afraid to exercise their legal rights for fear that their immigration status will be used as a weapon against them. This legislation will ensure that justice is accessible to all without fear of retaliation based on immigration status."