One win for Illinois’ immigrant communities: mobilizing new citizens

By Alexa Mencia Immigrant advocates linked arms in solidarity Wednesday morning to “resist and lead” following the jarring Election Day results. Many tried to inspire a renewed call to action for those feeling defeated by Donald Trump’s victory. Although the election of a political figure notorious for anti-immigrant rhetoric may seem like a setback, immigrant […]

Today I’m a citizen. Today I vote.

By Alexa Mencia Is there anything more empowering than a person becoming a citizen and immediately walking over to exercise the right to vote? You decide. (Alexa Mencia/MEDILL) Photo at top: Chicagoans vote early at the 15 West Washington Street location where many newly naturalized voters marched after their naturalization ceremony on November 3. (Alexa […]

Citizenship backlog silences potential Illinois voters

citizenship oath ceremony

By Nona Tepper [A national version of the story was published in the Washington Post. Read it here: Yes, the election is rigged — against immigrants who should be able to vote but can’t] A growing citizenship backlog crisis may leave more than 17,000 Illinois residents unable to vote come November. The number of Illinois […]