New Bill Allows Public Defenders Allowed To Represent Immigrants

Press release from ILGA:

April 29, 2021

Cook County Public Defenders will be able to represent individuals facing removal proceedings in immigration court under a bill authored by state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, which passed the Illinois House of Representatives last week.

“The right to a fair trial is the foundation of the American justice system and that should not be disrupted because of a person’s citizenship status,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “The outcome of an immigration case can fundamentally alter a person’s life. Right now, many noncitizens are facing that case without a proper understanding of the situation or defense in court because they have no lawyer. This situation is biased against noncitizens and it must change.”

Gong-Gershowitz’s legislation, House Bill 2790, allows Cook County public defenders to act as attorneys for noncitizens in removal proceedings in Cook County. House Bill 2790 passed out of the state House with strong support and will soon be considered in the state Senate.

“Lack of representation in immigration proceedings is just one part of our justice system which is designed to be profoundly disadvantageous to immigrants,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “I’m glad that my colleagues joined with me in working to undo this inequity and take our state one step closer to a system which treats all people impartially.”

This press release was produced by ILGA. The views expressed here are the author's own.