Illinois is poised to roll out a new law at the start of 2024, designed to protect potential tenants from discrimination based on their immigration status at the expense of the landlord.
Democratic Governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, approved SB 1817 into law last month. The legislation aims to augment the protections under the Illinois Human Rights Act, offering a shield against discrimination related to immigration status when seeking housing. The bill also targets discriminatory advertising practices.
The signing of SB 1817 was part of a larger legislative package approved by Gov. Pritzker. Another key initiative in this package is aimed at broadening the accessibility of state driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.
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The new law supersedes the current Temporary Visitor Driver’s License, replacing it with a standard license that has a four-year validity. Over 300,000 people, who currently possess temporary licenses, are expected to be affected by this shift.
“We’re ensuring every eligible individual can obtain a driver’s license, making our roads safer, decreasing stigma, and creating more equitable systems for all,” Pritzker affirmed according to Fox 32, after ratifying the driver’s license legislation.
The charge to extend housing rights to undocumented immigrants was championed by Democratic State Sen. Ann Gillespie. Gillespie asserted that the bill will prevent individuals from being “unjustly denied housing.”
“By making this change, we are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for immigrants to establish homes and contribute to our communities,” Gillespie said in a press statement. She highlighted that an individual’s background should not be a stumbling block to owning or renting property.
She further pointed out that while the bill prevents financial institutions and service providers from altering their terms of service based on immigration status, they can still inquire about immigration status if required by law.
“This law sets clear boundaries, protecting the rights of immigrants and ensuring that financial institutions and service providers cannot engage in discriminatory practices,” Gillespie said in a press release last week.
The state has essentially put out the welcome mat for anyone who illegally crosses the border at the expense of their citizens and legal immigrants.
