East Central Reporter

Illinois, once known as a welcoming state for undocumented immigrants due to the TRUST Act, is now facing the consequences of its sanctuary state status. The state's law enforcement agencies are prohibited from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, leading to a massive influx of undocumented immigrants and a strain on resources.

With approximately 628,000 undocumented immigrants in Illinois, the cost to taxpayers is nearly $3 billion annually. Democratic leaders in the state have reached out to the White House for financial assistance and are calling for a federal coordinated effort to control the situation at the southern border.

Representative Miller expressed concerns over the financial burden placed on the state and its taxpayers, stating, "It's time to end the message of 'Come to Illinois' for illegal immigrants because the honeymoon is over." He emphasized the need to address the consequences of poor leadership decisions.

Chicago, in particular, has been heavily impacted by the migrant crisis. Since the arrival of the first group of migrants 15 months ago, over 18,500 people have made their way to the city. More than 2,900 undocumented immigrants are currently living on the floors of police stations and Chicago's airports, awaiting placement in shelters. This has exacerbated the already high levels of violence in the city.

Due to the TRUST Act, law enforcement personnel are unable to track the number of migrants involved in violent incidents or those who have become victims of violence. This lack of information further complicates the situation and raises concerns about public safety.

In response to the crisis, two Chicago aldermen have introduced a resolution to place a referendum on the ballot, asking voters if Chicago should remain a sanctuary city. A recent poll showed that 46 percent of those polled were against the city remaining a sanctuary city, while 39 percent were in favor, and 14 percent were unsure.

Illinois's sanctuary state status has also granted undocumented immigrants access to free healthcare benefits, driver's licenses, housing assistance, and other benefits. The estimated cost of the healthcare benefits program alone has reached $1.1 billion. Illinois House Republicans are calling for a moratorium on enrollment and expansion of these benefits programs, as well as an audit of program costs.

As resources continue to dwindle and enrollment caps are reached, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has announced a temporary pause on new enrollees in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program. The program is projected to cost $831 million in FY 2024, exceeding the appropriated amount of $550 million.

In an effort to address the humanitarian crisis in Chicago, Illinois House Republicans have introduced House Bill 4187, which aims to repeal the TRUST Act and end the state's sanctuary status for undocumented immigrants. This legislation would allow local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The proponents of this bill argue that it is necessary to change the narrative and alleviate the strain on resources.

The time has come for Illinois to reassess its sanctuary state status and the consequences it has brought. The state must take action to ensure the safety of its citizens, address the strain on resources, and find a balanced approach to immigration that respects the rule of law. The repeal of the TRUST Act is seen by many as a necessary step in achieving these goals.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repcmiller.com/2023/10/27/illinois-as-a-sanctuary-state-has-been-catastrophic/