Today the Illinois House unanimously approved HB 2747, a bill that ensures that prisoners detained for immigration violations can be visited by religious officials. According to a press release from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), the bill had the support of over 60 religious institutions and leaders. ICIRR also emphasizes that visitation rights could become a growing issue as immigration raids increase:
Raids and deportations are escalating rapidly throughout the country, requiring more space to house immigration detainees. Many of these detainees are seeking asylum and are being detained while awaiting their day in court. Others are there solely for lacking immigration status, without having been charged with any crime. "Immigrants are suffering after being separated from their families and communities, with very limited access to spiritual counseling," said Rep. [Julie] Hamos [(D-Evanston)]. "Enabling religious workers to visit and pray with these immigrants is a basic but compassionate improvement in the conditions that they face."
Back in April, ICIRR brought over 100 new immigrants to Springfield to lobby in favor of this measure and other immigration-related legislation.
The bill now moves to the Senate where it is sponsored by Sens. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and Iris Martinez (D-Chicago).
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