GLENVIEW, Ill. – State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, will lead Illinois toward greater protections for immigrant families and expanded human rights as the new chair of the House Immigration and Human Rights Committee.
“I have spent my life fighting for human rights, particularly immigrant children. As an immigration and human rights attorney, I have seen first-hand how our system can victimize the most vulnerable among us,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “I am honored to continue to fight for human rights for all people as chair of the House Immigration and Human Rights committee.”
Gong-Gershowitz is currently pursuing several legislative efforts for improving Illinois immigration law, including House Bill 25, which would create a task force to investigate enforcing the right tolegal counsel in immigration proceedings, regardless of income or ability to pay. Gong-Gershowitz is also supporting House Bill 121, which combats discrimination based on a person’s legal work authorization.
“Bolstering human rights protections must be a priority in Springfield,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “There is nothing more fundamental than preserving dignity and opportunity for every person in every community across Illinois.”
Representative Gong-Gershowitz was also named Vice Chair of Judiciary Civil and is a member of the Energy & Environment and Mental Health committees.