Today the New Americans Policy Council sent a final set of recommendations to the State of Illinois aimed at assisting immigrants and refugees to fully integrate into the social and economic fabric of the state. These recommendations cap off a two-year process launched by Governor Blagojevich in 2005 when he issued the landmark New Americans Executive Order.

A Dream Deferred Blog The report, entitled, "For the Benefit of All," found that immigrants play a crucial role in building our state’s economy and communities. As they build assets for themselves and their families, they also contribute to the state’s continued growth and vitality and become even better neighbors.

“The recommendations of the State Interagency Taskforce and the New Americans Policy Council are a result of years of work by national experts, civic leaders, and state agencies. The work focuses on how the State can encourage immigrants to set down roots in Illinois,” said Fred Tsao, policy director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Download the summary or full report here.

New : Download the Interagency Task Force Report here!