Sangamon Sun

Illinois has become a sanctuary state for undocumented immigrants due to the enactment of the TRUST Act in 2017. This law prohibits law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities to detain or deport these individuals. However, the consequences of this policy are now becoming apparent.

The crisis at the southern border cannot be ignored. In September alone, over 200,000 migrants were apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol while crossing the U.S.-Mexico border unlawfully. The impact of this crisis is being felt in Illinois, which is home to approximately 628,000 undocumented immigrants. The cost to taxpayers is staggering, reaching nearly $3 billion annually.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, Democratic leaders in Illinois have reached out to the White House for financial assistance. They are also calling for a coordinated federal effort to control the massive influx of undocumented immigrants at the southern border. The current migrant influx into Chicago has reached a crisis point, not only from a humanitarian and safety perspective but also in terms of cost.

Since the arrival of the first group of migrants in Chicago from Texas 15 months ago, more than 18,500 people have made their way to the city. Over 2,900 undocumented immigrants are now living on the floors of police stations and Chicago's airports, awaiting placement in shelters. This influx is projected to cost Chicago taxpayers $361 million in 2023.

The presence of migrant encampments in Chicago has exacerbated the city's already high levels of violence. While it is unclear how many migrants have become victims of violence or have committed violent acts since arriving in Chicago, the TRUST Act prohibits law enforcement personnel from asking about a person's immigration status. This lack of information hampers efforts to track and address any potential issues.

In response to the crisis, two Chicago aldermen have introduced a resolution to place a referendum on the March ballot. The referendum will ask voters if Chicago should remain a sanctuary city. A recent poll of Chicago voters revealed that 46 percent of those polled said no more sanctuary city, 39 percent said Chicago should remain one, and 14 percent were unsure.

One of the consequences of Illinois being a sanctuary state is that undocumented immigrants have access to free health care benefits, driver's licenses, housing assistance, and other benefits. The estimated cost of the health care benefits program for undocumented immigrants has risen to $1.1 billion. In response, Illinois House Republicans are calling for a moratorium on enrollment and expansion of this benefits program, as well as an audit of program costs.

As resources are drying up and enrollment caps are being reached, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has announced a temporary pause on new enrollees in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program. However, an analysis from September 2023 shows that the benefits program is still expected to cost $831 million in FY 2024, which is $281 million more than the amount appropriated for the program.

To address the humanitarian crisis in Chicago, Illinois House Republicans are introducing House Bill 4187, which aims to repeal the TRUST Act and end Illinois' status as a sanctuary state for undocumented immigrants. This legislation would allow local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

According to Rep. Rosenthal, "Policies within the TRUST Act are nothing more than weights sitting on hardworking citizens. There is always a breaking point, and I think Illinois leaders need to take a hard look at the near future and decide which priorities are in the best interest of the citizens of Illinois."

The time has come to reevaluate the consequences of Illinois' status as a sanctuary state. The financial burden on taxpayers, the strain on resources, and the impact on public safety cannot be ignored. It is crucial for Illinois to address this issue and repeal the TRUST Act in order to prioritize the well-being and interests of its citizens.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://reprosenthal.com/2023/10/26/illinois-as-a-sanctuary-state-is-costing-taxpayers-billions/