SPRINGFIELD – State senator Martin Sandoval released the following statement regarding the passage of SB 34, also known also as the VOICES Act, with Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton.

“Today we take a historical step to protect domestic violence and human trafficking victims. I proudly cosponsor this legislation that creates a path for victims of abuse to obtain a visa allowing them to stay in our country under the protection of our laws.

“Victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, mainly women, should not be violated again when they are unable to apply for a U or T visa, due to law enforcement inaction. I’m proud the Senate took this action to protect immigrants, women and all victims of these crimes.”

• SB 34 standardizes criteria in which law enforcement agencies shall issue a report to domestic violence and human trafficking victims. This report is an indispensable requirement the victim needs before they can apply for a U visa – which protects victims of crimes that caused physical or mental abuse—or a T visa – which protects human trafficking victims.

The measure is being sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD –The Illinois senate passed a resolution today condemning Gov. Bruce Rauner’s statement that he would comply should President Donald Trump order Illinois National Guard soldiers to the Mexican border.
State Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-Chicago), son of immigrants and Illinois Latino Caucus co-chair, sponsored the measure, Senate Resolution 1593, and had strong words for the governor.

“Gov. Rauner’s inability to stand up against the president’s racism and intolerance of the immigrant community is shameful,” Sandoval said. “Sending Illinois National Guard soldiers to the border is a misuse of taxpayer dollars, a disservice to Illinoisans who may need their services and insulting to a nation our state has strong ties to. Our immigrant communities deserve better from the governor.”

The Illinois National Guard helps Illinoisans during floods, snowstorms, tornadoes and other disasters. Its mission is to “provide trained and disciplined forces for domestic emergencies or as otherwise provided by state law,” and it is only called by the president to serve outside the state in emergencies or dire situations.

Other situations warranting deployment of the National Guard include the ongoing War on Terror, which has been utilizing Guardsmen since America was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001.