A new legislation is set to take effect in Illinois in 2024, which will prevent property owners from discriminating against potential renters based on their immigration status.
Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, signed SB 1817 into law last month. This law will enhance protections in the Illinois Human Rights Act to safeguard individuals’ housing rights related to their immigration status and also address biased advertising practices.
In addition to this, Governor Pritzker approved several other bills last month, including one that aims to provide undocumented immigrants with access to regular state-issued driving licenses. Under this new law, the current Temporary Visitor Driver’s License will be replaced with a standard license that is valid for four years. More than 300,000 individuals who currently possess temporary licenses will be affected by this change.
“This legislative action marks a crucial step in dismantling hurdles that many undocumented immigrants face. We’re facilitating access to a driver’s license for every eligible person, thereby making our roads safer, diminishing stigma, and crafting more equal systems for everyone,” Pritzker said.
Democratic State Senator Ann Gillespie was the driving force behind the effort to expand housing rights for undocumented immigrants. She emphasized that the bill’s primary aim was to prevent unjust denials of housing opportunities.
In a recent public announcement, Gillespie made it clear that this legislation establishes a firm boundary, protecting the rights of immigrants and compelling financial institutions and service providers to avoid any form of discriminatory practices.
Additionally, Gillespie pointed out that the bill would prohibit third-party loan adjustment service providers from modifying their terms based on immigration status. However, it’s important to note that in cases where the law requires it, inquiries about immigration status will still be allowed.
“Through this modification, we are demolishing barriers and facilitating opportunities for immigrants to build homes and make meaningful contributions to our communities. A person’s background should not be a disqualification from purchasing or renting a property.”
