The Office of the Secretary of State adopted amendments allowing individuals without a Social Security number eligible for a visa status or nonvisa status a temporary visitor’s driver’s license to apply for a standard driver’s license or identification card.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Governor’s Office of New Americans Act. The Governor’s Office of New Americans is now assigned a set of duties related to supporting and welcoming immigrants and refugees. The office is now responsible for supervising the completion of New American plans within state agencies.

The Illinois General Assembly enacted the Illinois Indian American Advisory Council Act. The Act creates an Illinois Indian American Advisory Council to advise the governor and General Assembly on issues regarding Indian Americans and immigrants in Illinois.

The Illinois General Assembly enacted the Right to Counsel in Immigration Proceedings Act and established the Task Force on Counsel in Immigration Proceedings. The task force’s purpose is to investigate the implementation of universal representation of Illinois residents in removal proceedings or individuals with removal proceedings in Illinois.

The Illinois Human Rights Act was amended to prevent discrimination based on work-authorization status. The amendment defines “work authorization status” as an individual born outside of the U.S. who is not a U.S. citizen and is authorized to work in the U.S.

This Act creates the Illinois Way Forward Act and amends the Illinois TRUST Act. The Act limits law enforcement agencies and officials from inquiring into or investigating an individual’s immigration status.

The Illinois General Assembly enacted the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act to bar landlords from retaliating against tenants based on immigration status.

Illinois lawmakers have amended the Illinois Vehicle Code to allow the Secretary of State to issue temporary driver's licenses to persons without documentation authorizing their presence in the United States. 625 ILCS 5/6-105.1.

Illinois lawmakers created the Access to Religious Ministry Act of 2008 to ensure that religious workers have reasonable access to immigration-related detainees held in county jails in the state of Illinois. 730 ILCS 125/26.  

On May 9, 2007, the Illinois Appellate Court, Second District, affirmed the order of the Circuit Court of Winnebago County, finding the defendant guilty of two counts of identity theft and sentencing her to 30 months probation, 100 hours of public service, and a $500 fine.

The State Board of Education recently amended Part 1 of Title 23, effective July 13, 2005.