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  1. Article number 1 - Governor Quinn Highlights Progress Made in Welcoming Everyone in Illinois
  2. Article number 2 - Governor Quinn Signs Historic Traffic Safety Legislation
  3. Article number 3 - Governor Quinn and President Cullerton Call for Driver’s Licenses for All Illinois Motorists
  4. Article number 4 - 1st Annual 2012 Hispanic Heritage Month Art & Literary Work Contest
  5. Article number 5 - Illinois DREAM Fund Commission

  • Governor Quinn Highlights Progress Made in Welcoming Everyone in IllinoisGovernor Quinn Highlights Progress Made in Welcoming Everyone in Illinois

    MELROSE PARK – Governor Pat Quinn today released an inter-agency report detailing the efforts of his New Americans Initiative to welcome everyone in Illinois. The report comes in advance of the Governor’s upcoming trade mission to Mexico, which is part of his agenda to create jobs in Illinois and drive the state’s economy forward.

    “This report shows the major progress we have made in welcoming new Americans to Illinois,” Governor Quinn said. “I invite every newcomer to visit one of our innovative ‘one-stop’ Welcoming Centers for health screening, job training, legal assistance or help in applying to college or for a mortgage. We are committed to making Illinois the most immigrant-friendly state in the nation.”

  • Governor Quinn Signs Historic Traffic Safety LegislationGovernor Quinn Signs Historic Traffic Safety Legislation

    CHICAGO – January 27, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by legislators, community leaders and public safety advocates to sign into law a bill that will help ensure every Illinois motorist is properly licensed to drive. An estimated 250,000 immigrant motorists are on Illinois roads today, and these unlicensed drivers present a serious, but preventable safety risk to all Illinois drivers. Governor Quinn was an early supporter of this key legislation, which is part of his agenda to improve traffic safety in Illinois and lead the nation in welcoming and including our immigrant population.

  • Governor Quinn and President Cullerton Call for Driver’s Licenses for All Illinois MotoristsGovernor Quinn and President Cullerton Call for Driver’s Licenses for All Illinois Motorists

    CHICAGO - November 20, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) today were joined by state and local leaders and the Illinois Highway Safety Coalition (HSC) to announce their support of efforts to ensure that every Illinois motorist is properly licensed to drive. Because they do not have a driver’s license, an estimated 250,000 immigrant motorists are on Illinois roads today that have not passed a driving test. By removing this barrier through responsible legislation, to be introduced by President Cullerton in the coming weeks, Illinois roads will be safer and more immigrants will be able to become stronger contributors to the economy.

  • 1st Annual 2012 Hispanic Heritage Month Art & Literary Work Contest1st Annual 2012 Hispanic Heritage Month Art & Literary Work Contest

    The Governor’s Office of New Americans and The Hispanic Heritage Month Committee were proud to launch the 1st Annual 2012 Hispanic Heritage Month Art & Literary Work Contest.

    All Illinois youth grades K-12 were encouraged to create an original piece inspired by the interpretation of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme “Many Backgrounds, Many Stories…One American Spirit.”

  • Illinois DREAM Fund CommissionIllinois DREAM Fund Commission

    The office of citizen is the highest office in the land. One of the best ways to participate in our democracy is by serving on a state board or commission. For many, serving on a board or commission is one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.

    The Illinois DREAM Fund Commission will assist the children of immigrants in obtaining a higher education. More information on the Commission is available here.

    To apply, please complete this online form.

"More than any other nation on Earth, America has constantly drawn strength and spirit from wave after wave of immigrants. In each generation, they have proved to be the most restless, the most adventurous, the most innovative, the most industrious of people. Bearing different memories, honoring different heritages, they have strengthened our economy, enriched our culture, renewed our promise of freedom and opportunity for all..."

- President Bill Clinton

Through the Office of New Americans, Illinois has become a national leader on matters of Immigrant Integration. The Office of New Americans, an office established by Executive Order to operate within the Governor's Office, provides funding to community organizations throughout the State who directly serve immigrant and refugee families through their strategic collaborations with State Agencies and other institutions providing resources that will secure a successful integration into the State.

We hope this website will serve as yet another tool for our partners and for all New Americans throughout the Land of Lincoln who contribute to the cultural, linguistic, and economic wealth of our State.

Denise Martinez
Director
Office of New Americans

Copyright © 2012 State of Illinois