SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner’s actions on immigration during his first two months in office have been perplexing to advocates in immigrant-friendly Illinois.
The Republican publicly backs “comprehensive reform” and tells stories of his immigrant grandparents. But he won’t talk details and has rescinded executive orders aimed at making Illinois more welcoming to immigrants.
He’s refused to join other GOP governors in a federal lawsuit against President Barack Obama’s immigration executive action. But he’s also proposed slashing about $8 million in services helping refugees and immigrants wanting to become citizens,
Rauner says immediate cuts are necessary because Illinois doesn’t have money. He says his agenda in the end is about government reform. He calls himself “pro-immigration.”
But his words have left many waiting for clarity, including U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Chicago.