Emanuel aims to make Chicago most 'immigrant-friendly' city in U.S.
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CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he wants to make Chicago the most immigrant-friendly city in America.
The mayor announced a new ordinance Tuesday to protect undocumented immigrants not convicted of a serious crime and have no warrants out against them.
The ordinance says Chicagoans who are illegal immigrants will only be detained if they're wanted on a warrant by local or federal authorities or if they've been convicted of a serious crime.
For decades, city agencies haven't been allowed to ask the immigration status of people who want services; police also haven't been allowed to question victims or witnesses about legal status.
The ordinance spells out the rules for authorities and provides police training. An Office of New Americans spokesman said the ordinance closes a loophole.
Officials said they'll continue cooperating with federal authorities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in catching violent criminals who may be illegal immigrants.
He and Rep. Luis Gutierrez held a press conference at a Little Village high school Tuesday.
Gutierrez has been one of the most outspoken voices for immigration reform.
The ordinance will be introduced to the City Council in the near future.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:28 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:28:27 GMT
Some aldermen have questions as a City Council committee gets ready to hold a hearing on Mayor Emanuel's proposed changes to the Chicago parking meter deal.
Some aldermen have questions as a City Council committee gets ready to hold a hearing on Mayor Emanuel's proposed changes to the Chicago parking meter deal.
Amid lingering concerns about his national security policies, President Barack Obama is outlining measures to clarify the deadly use of drones against terror suspects.
President Barack Obama sought Thursday to advance the U.S. beyond the unrelenting war effort of the past dozen years, defining a narrower terror threat from smaller networks and homegrown extremists rather than the grandiose...
Thursday, May 23 2013 4:36 PM EDT2013-05-23 20:36:47 GMT
The Obama administration has picked a private attorney and former federal prosecutor to head the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Thursday.
The Obama administration has picked a private attorney and former federal prosecutor to head the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Thursday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:18 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:18:06 GMT
Illinois legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns has passed the House Judiciary Committee. It was a compromise backed by Speaker Michael Madigan.
Illinois legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns has passed the House Judiciary Committee. It was a compromise backed by Speaker Michael Madigan.
Anthony Weiner's run for a renaissance is officially on.
Anthony Weiner knows there may be a lot of New Yorkers who would never consider voting for him again, but he says he's running for mayor because he wants to bring his ideas to the fore - and win.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:45:07 GMT
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
