Black Community Leaders Criticize Illinois Lawmakers’ Immigration Proposals (Chicago, IL) – A group of Black community leaders and political candidates are voicing strong opposition to recent immigration proposals backed by Illinois Democrats, arguing the measures would harm American workers and deepen economic challenges in Black communities.
The criticism centers on legislation and policy positions advanced by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. Krishnamoorthi has introduced the High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment (HIRE) Act, which would expand the number of H-1B visas available to employers, while Durbin has continued to advocate for pathways to legal status for undocumented immigrants.
Opponents say these policies prioritize foreign labor and immigration reform at a time when many Illinois residents are struggling with unemployment, wage stagnation and rising housing costs.
Dr. Pamela Denise Long, a former Newsweek columnist and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, said the proposals reflect misplaced priorities. “Illinois already faces some of the highest property taxes in the country, and Black unemployment remains disproportionately high,” Long said. Citing state and national data, she argued that expanding work visa programs could further suppress wages and limit job opportunities for American workers.
Long said Illinois’ Black unemployment rate is approximately 9.6%, one of the highest in the nation, and called for stricter oversight of work visa programs. She also criticized Durbin’s long-standing support for immigration reform, saying the senator’s retirement presents an opportunity for a shift in policy direction.
Patricia “P Rae” Easley, founder of ChicagoRED and a candidate for Congress in the 7th District, echoed those concerns. Easley said the U.S. already produces enough college graduates to meet workforce needs, including in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. “We have our own homegrown workforce and no reason to import workers,” she said.
Community advocate and former educator Doris Lewis pointed to disparities in STEM employment, noting that historically Black colleges and universities award a significant share of STEM degrees earned by Black Americans, while Black workers remain underrepresented in STEM jobs nationwide. She and others cited ongoing lawsuits alleging discriminatory hiring practices favoring certain H-1B visa holders over U.S. workers.
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Sargis Sangari added that employers should share responsibility for addressing the issue. “As long as there is no process to ensure companies pay a living wage to American workers, this problem will persist,” Sangari said, arguing that expanded visa programs could contribute to higher unemployment if not properly regulated.
Organizers stressed that their opposition is focused on labor and economic policy rather than hostility toward immigrants or foreign nations. “This is about accountability and policies that put American workers first,” Sangari said.
Community leaders announced plans to outline alternative approaches to workforce development at a press conference scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at the Dirksen Federal Building in downtown Chicago. The event is expected to include elected officials, labor advocates, displaced workers, recent immigrants and local residents.
Black Community Leaders Criticize Illinois Lawmakers’ Immigration Proposals
