Immigration-related bill the Governor vetoed is headed for an override

Posted on November 14, 2018
The VOICES Act, protecting the undocumented who want to report crimes to the police, is a House vote away from becoming law. (Dave Dahl)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Speaking from a wheelchair, Michelle Garcia of Access Living pleaded for an override of the governor’s veto of the VOICES Act, which protects the undocumented when they report crimes.

“We must believe survivors and help them come forward, as most survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence do not report their abusers,” Garcia told a statehouse news conference hours before the Senate vote. “We want to make sure our legislators know that the voices of those who come forward and denounce a crime are heard.”

The Senate sponsor, Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), said the bill simply sets a deadline on the process of a crime victim seeking a U-visa, and that the governor gave in to election-year anti-immigration fears by vetoing the bill.

SB 34 has passed the Senate over the governor’s veto, 40-12.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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