SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam’s legislation to streamline the process of appointing a guardian for those children whose parents have been taken into federal immigration custody was signed into law today.

“Now more than ever, it is our duty at the state level to support immigrant families impacted by Donald Trump's horrendous immigration policies," Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. "We need to do whatever is in our power to give parents and guardians at risk of detainment or deportation some peace of mind. That starts with giving them the opportunity to choose who will care for their children should they be forcibly separated, ensuring their children are being taken care of in a safe, nurturing environment. It's the least we can do. Additionally, I want to thank Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz for bringing this issue to the fore and for her tireless dedication.”

House Bill 836 will allow a court to proceed on an appointment of a guardian of a minor if the parents are unable to give consent to the appointment. The appointee will be allowed to extend their guardianship for 365 days if the administrative separation is ongoing. The petition for the appointment must include information about the case, including the time of separation and the known location of the parents.

This legislation takes effect immediately.