Executive Order

              2005-10
EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING
NEW AMERICANS IMMIGRANT POLICY COUNCIL
WHEREAS, 12% of Illinois’ population are immigrants and 20% of the state’s population is
either an immigrant or children of immigrants;
WHEREAS, immigrants contribute to the economic, social, and political vitality of the United
States and Illinois;
WHEREAS, immigration policy is set at the federal level, but the actual benefits and challenges
of immigration are felt at the state and local levels;
WHEREAS, a proactive policy for New Americans at the state level will maximize the benefits
immigrants bring to the state and its municipalities, while helping immigrants overcome the
challenges they face;
WHEREAS, it is beneficial for new immigrants, the host communities, the state, and the nation
for immigrants to quickly adjust to life in Illinois, learn English, become citizens, buy homes,
start businesses, send their children to college, and thrive economically;
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois plays a vital role in building upon the strengths of immigrants,
enabling their speedy transition to self-sufficiency;
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois has historically been a national leader in creating innovative
state initiatives that assist immigrants in integrating into life in the United States;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Rod Blagojevich, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor,
do hereby order as follows:
1. The State of Illinois shall develop a New Americans Immigrant Policy that builds upon the
strengths of immigrants, their families, and their institutions, and expedites their journey towards
self-sufficiency. This policy shall enable State government to more effectively assist immigrants
in overcoming barriers to success, and to facilitate host communities’ ability to capitalize on the
assets of their immigrant populations.
2. The Governor shall appoint a 15-person New Americans Immigrant Policy Council
comprised of the chairs of the Joint Legislative Immigrant and Refugee Policy Task Force, a
representative of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and other appropriate
parties. Representatives from the Governor’s office and state agencies may participate on the
Council, but they may not constitute a voting majority.
3. The New Americans Immigrant Policy Council shall consult broadly with immigrant leaders
and host communities; identify “best practices”; make recommendations to the Governor on
policies and programs of state government to equip immigrants with the necessary tools to
become full contributing state residents; and assist state agencies in developing plans to assist
immigrants and their host communities. The Council shall identify key policy areas for focus
and “best practices” models and make initial recommendations to the Governor by January 1,
2007.