SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) requiring the Governor’s Office of New Americans to create and oversee the implementation of a New American Statewide Plan was signed into law on Friday.

“One in seven Illinoisans is an immigrant,” Villa said. “People from across the world come here to make a new life, and we should do all we can to assist them in that endeavor.”

House Bill 1567 seeks to address immigrant and refugee integration issues in Illinois through the establishment of a New American Statewide Plan. Under the legislation, the Governor’s Office of New Americans would be required to put together a plan to ensure their essential duties are being performed.

The Office of New Americans is responsible for welcoming and supporting immigrants and refugees in Illinois and ensuring they have the resources necessary to successfully integrate into the social, cultural, economic, and civic life of the United States, including access to quality English language learning programs.

“We want all immigrants and refugees who come to Illinois to feel welcome in their new home,” Villa said. “By working alongside the Governor’s Office of New Americans to ensure they have the necessary resources to thrive, we lay a strong foundation for new beginnings.”

The legislation was signed into law June 20, 2022 and will go into effect Jan. 1, 2023.