Peoria Standard

Illinois has been facing a humanitarian crisis due to its status as a sanctuary state for undocumented immigrants. The TRUST Act, implemented in 2017, prohibits law enforcement agencies from collaborating with federal immigration authorities to detain or deport these individuals. The consequences of this policy have become increasingly evident, especially in light of the recent surge in unauthorized border crossings.

In September alone, over 200,000 migrants were apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol while attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border unlawfully. This ongoing crisis has prompted Democratic leaders in Illinois to seek financial assistance from the White House and a coordinated federal effort to manage the massive influx of undocumented immigrants.

The impact of this influx is particularly severe in Chicago, where more than 18,500 migrants have arrived since the first group was transported from Texas nearly 15 months ago. Disturbingly, over 2,900 undocumented immigrants are currently residing in police stations and Chicago's airports, awaiting placement in shelters. This situation poses significant humanitarian, safety, and financial challenges for the city.

The financial burden on taxpayers is staggering, with an estimated annual cost of nearly $3 billion to support the approximately 628,000 undocumented immigrants in Illinois. The strain on Chicago's resources is projected to reach $361 million in 2023 alone. Furthermore, the presence of migrant encampments has exacerbated the city's already rampant violent crime, although the exact extent of the violence remains unclear due to restrictions imposed by the TRUST Act.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, two Chicago aldermen have introduced a resolution to include a referendum on the March ballot, allowing voters to decide whether Chicago should continue as a sanctuary city. A recent poll indicates that 46 percent of Chicago voters oppose the city's sanctuary status, while 39 percent support it, and 14 percent remain undecided.

Illinois's sanctuary state policy grants undocumented immigrants access to various benefits, including free healthcare, driver's licenses, and housing assistance. However, the cost of providing healthcare benefits to these individuals has skyrocketed to an estimated $1.1 billion. In response, Illinois House Republicans, led by State Rep. Ryan Spain, are proposing a moratorium on enrollment and expansion of the benefits program, along with an audit of its costs.

As resources dwindle and enrollment caps are reached, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has announced a temporary pause on new enrollments in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program. An analysis from September 2023 reveals that the program is expected to cost $831 million in the upcoming fiscal year, surpassing the allocated budget by $281 million.

To address the humanitarian crisis in Chicago, Illinois House Republicans are introducing House Bill 4187, sponsored by Rep. Spain. This legislation aims to repeal the TRUST Act, thereby ending Illinois's sanctuary state status. If passed, it would enable local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The proposed legislation seeks to shift the narrative away from Illinois as a destination for government benefits and towards a state that prioritizes the well-being of its residents.

In light of the overwhelming challenges posed by Illinois's sanctuary state policy, it is imperative to repeal the TRUST Act. Ending the state's status as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants is crucial to address the humanitarian crisis and alleviate the burden on taxpayers. To join the movement and support the repeal of the TRUST Act, individuals can sign the petition available at the provided link.

To learn more, click on this link: https://repryanspain.com/2023/10/27/illinois-as-a-sanctuary-state-has-created-a-humanitarian-crisis-the-trust-act-should-be-repealed/