Press Release: U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth Joins Illinois Business Leaders in Discussion on Immigrant Inclusion in Next Stimulus Package and Beyond

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 10, 2020

PRESS CONTACT: Rebecca Shi | rshi@americanbic.biz

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth Joins Illinois Business Leaders in Discussion on Immigrant Inclusion in Next Stimulus Package and Beyond

(Chicago, IL) – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined the Illinois chapter of the American Business Immigration Coalition, the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition, today in an exclusive meeting to share updates and priorities for the next COVID-19 relief package. Among the key topics discussed in the meeting were the importance of immigrant inclusion in any future stimulus package, as well as the continued need for relief in the small business community.

Black folks, immigrants, and people of color have borne the burden of the coronavirus crisis, both in health and economic outcomes, but have been disproportionately neglected in relief programs despite their enormous contributions in sectors essential to the nation’s response and recovery.

“Throughout Illinois and across America, immigrant communities and businesses help keep our nation running,” Senator Duckworth said. “I’m glad I had the chance to meet with the ABIC Illinois chapter today and discuss the urgent need for immigration reform and how we can provide small business relief during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.”.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport,” said Carole Segal, Crate and Barrel Co-Founder and ABIC/IBIC co-chair. “I urge members to contact your Representatives and Senators to ensure immigrant inclusion and small business relief in the next COVID package.” The conversation extended beyond immediate relief necessary to communities suffering under the pandemic to address the greater need for comprehensive immigration reform in 2021, including a clean Dream Act

IBIC thanks Senator Duckworth for her continued commitment to ensuring the most marginalized communities, including immigrants and people of color, are included in federal COVID-19 relief. Only through working together to protect everyone in our communities through commonsense immigration and economic policies will our nation be able to recover from the crisis brought on by the pandemic.

As a member of the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC), the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (IBIC) promotes commonsense immigration reform that advances economic competitiveness, provides companies with both the high-skilled and low-skilled talent they need, and allows the integration of immigrants into our economy as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs, and citizens.