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NIJC has a new Chicago address at 111 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60604 and a new email domain at @immigrantjustice.org.

Media Inquiries

Contact NIJC Communications Director Tara Tidwell Cullen at (312) 833-2967 or by email.

Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) condemns today’s passage of H.R. 4038, in the House of Representatives. The bill would prevent the United States from fulfilling its obligation and promise to offer refuge to people fleeing persecution. NIJC is disappointed in Illinois Republican representatives Mike Bost, Peter Roskam, and John Shimkus for co-sponsoring this misguided, inhumane legislation. 
 
In addition, we are particularly disheartened by the entire Illinois Republican delegation and two Illinois Democratic representatives who voted to reject refugees, Cheri Bustos and Daniel Lipinski. Today’s vote sends the wrong message to the world and betrays Americans’ moral values and compassion for people seeking safety from unspeakable violence. We call on the Senate to put a stop to this heartless, un-American bill.
 
Yesterday, the president of France, still reeling from the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, announced that the country remains committed to accepting Syrian refugees. H.R. 4038 is a radical departure from the international response to the Syrian crisis that has sent unprecedented numbers of men, women, and children fleeing for their lives.
 
NIJC commends members of the Illinois delegation who voted against this callous bill, including representatives Danny Davis, Tammy Duckworth, Bill Foster, Luis Gutierrez, Robin Kelly, Mike Quigley, Bobby Rush, and Jan Schakowsky. We are grateful to these members for showing true leadership. They know that Illinois has long been a welcoming community for immigrants and people fleeing violence.
 
Americans can and do welcome refugees while ensuring our security. Refugees undergo the most stringent security and screening measures of any group seeking to enter the United States. The United States and Illinois have long benefitted from the contributions of refugees and their children, including Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, whose father was a Syrian refugee. We hope the Senate will reject this ill-advised legislation and stand with Syrian refugees and people fleeing persecution around the globe.