Email your Senator TODAY to demand they vote NO on the FY26 DHS Funding Bill. On 1/29, the Senate is voting on a proposed bill that increases DHS funding. Not a single dollar more for ICE, CBP or any agency that targets and traumatizes our communities. Urge your Senator to vote NO! Take action:

Students bear a heavy burden. @govpritzker.illinois.gov, without an adequate, equitable investment in higher ed, Illinois is pricing out its students. Support #SB13/HB1581 and show Illinois students what’s possible with accessible higher ed.

Our MLA leaders give us hope! We are honored to announce the 2026 cohort of the Multicultural Leadership Academy (MLA)! Meet the cohort: bit.ly/4qcZi1H

@govpritzker.illinois.gov, Illinois and its students deserve better! Invest in #HigherEdEquity and make sure every student can access and afford college. Prioritize college opportunity in FY27! #TransformILHigherEd

On this MLK Day, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership in the Chicago Freedom Movement with activists like Al Raby, and their fight against discrimination in housing that gave root to the Fair Housing Act.

Threatening funding for child care in order to advance a political agenda is an unnecessary and irresponsible move by the Trump administration. Read our full statement: bit.ly/454z9KJ

Our hearts are with the family and friends of Renee Nicole Good, the family of Silverio Villegas González and all the people who have had to pick up the pieces of lives taken by the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement campaign. This must stop now.

We will not be silenced! President Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to Illinois is an attempt to intimidate us, create fear, and suppress our Constitutional right to protest. If you see ICE activity or know someone who was detained, contact the ICIRR Family Support Hotline at 855-435-7693

Check out and share this timely resource from @nhlp.bsky.social on tenant's rights during the government shutdown. It's available in English and Spanish!

In case anyone’s confused, young people can and want to shape the policies that directly impact their lives. chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...

Head Start remains open to ALL kids! Parents, your children, regardless of their or your immigration status, can still enroll in #HeadStart. Two recent court rulings temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict access, protecting immigrant children’s right to early education.

3 reminders for DACA recipients: -Renew your DACA as soon you can -You’re stronger than any anti-immigrant rhetoric -You belong in any space you enter 🧡 DACA recipients in Illinois can find an attorney, updates, resources, guidance, and scholarships here: www.icirr.org/renew-your-d...

Join us on October 24 for Latinos on the Move 2025: Comunidad. Action. Power. 💜 These are challenging times and LOTM is an opportunity to be in community, surrounded by people who understand, who care, and who refuse to let fear win.

“You look happier” Thanks, I’ve been thinking about what’s possible when multicultural leaders align and drive progress forward for our communities.

“I asked chatGPT” “I asked Claude” Ok well I asked our senior #housing policy analyst and she said you can have a roof over your head and still be considered homeless. It’s called doubled-up living.

Did you know that you have rights as a tenant regardless of your immigration status? Check out our Housing Rights for Immigrant Tenants guide for information on basic housing rights and policies for immigrant tenants living in Illinois. Available in English and Spanish.

One of the most powerful things about our Multicultural Leadership Academy is how it prepares civic leaders to elevate their impact and build a more equitable Illinois.

Announcing our theme for Latinos on the Move 2025: Comunidad. Action. Power. ☀️ Comunidad because we are stronger together. ☀️ Action because it makes change possible. ☀️ Power because Latinos are 2.2 million strong in Illinois.

Little Village is a pillar of the Mexican immigrant community in Illinois and in the country because of the beauty, strength, and resilience of its people. We are united behind Latinos Progresando, La Villita, immigrants and everyone who was targeted by these hateful acts.

Shout out to everyone who interpreted for their parents as kids! As a small child you already had big responsibilities. Your story illustrates why language access is so important.

Yesterday, July 14, the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling that allows the Trump administration to fire more than 1,400 employees from the Department of Education, effectively dismantling the agency. Read our full statement here: bit.ly/4lOvsOU

This week’s reminders: -Homeownership needs to be more accessible for Latinos -Buying a home should not require generational wealth -Breaking down systemic barriers to homeownership IS possible Learn more about the barriers and policy solutions to homeownership in the latest Trust Talks.

Good morning to all the bilingual educators out there! Thank you for all that you do to create a safe, welcoming, and nurturing learning environment for our English Learners! Hope your summer break is going well ♥️

The highly controversial budget reconciliation package has passed Congress and awaits signature. The bill makes dramatic cuts to social programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as federal education grants, to fund aggressive immigration enforcement.

Attention parents, early childhood providers, and advocates! The We The Village Coalition is hosting a virtual town hall on July 15 from 12 to 1:30 PM. The conversation will highlight progress from the first year of the new Department of Early Childhood and discuss their priorities for next year.

Babies born in the United States ARE citizens. Full Stop. Today's Supreme Court ruling is a tragedy, but the fight to protect children, immigrant families, and the U.S. Constitution is not over. Read our full statement: bit.ly/4l6QSqN #SCOTUS #birthrightcitizenship

Leadership in action! Our Multicultural Leadership Academy cohort gathered last month at New Life Centers, where they toured the Pan de Vida Fresh Market, took professional headshots, and continued their affinity group work.

By 2031, 41% of IL jobs will need a bachelor’s, but only 20% of Latino adults have one. To increase Latino college success, it needs to be better funded and affordable. Our latest op-ed explains why improving Latino college success is not just the right thing to do, it's essential for IL’s future.

Some in #Congress want to fund cruel immigration enforcement by slashing lifesaving programs like #Medicaid and #SNAP. Then, try justify it by pushing false narratives about Latinos and immigrants. Read Nina Sedeño and Ruby Velez's letter calling on Congress to reject the proposed spending bill.

Dual language learning is the future! A recent story from Chalkbeat Chicago covers how advocates, lawmakers, and educators worked together to make it easier to expand dual language programs and what this means for all students across Illinois. Read it here: www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2025...

What is the IL TRUST Act? How does it protect immigrant communities? Our new one-pager has what you need to know. Check it out here: latinopolicyforum.org/il-trust-act...

All students should feel safe at school! Learn more about how Safe Schools for All would protect access to an education for all students, regardless of #immigration status. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/30/i...

Want to do more than stay informed? Sign up for our mailing list for the latest policy updates and ways to take action. Sign up here: mailchi.mp/latinopolicy...

In these uncertain and challenging times, caring for our mental health is more important than ever. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, our Community Engagement Manager, Brian Herrera, shares a few reflections and tips to bring some joy to you and your loved ones. More here: bit.ly/4jTClP2

How do we increase Latino college success? Make #HigherEd affordable. Many Latino students work full-time while in school, making it harder to succeed. Investing in need-based financial aid helps our students enroll full-time, work fewer hours, and stay on track to graduate. bit.ly/4cEvplB

Every Chicagoan deserves a safe, stable place to call home. Take this quick 6-question survey to share your insights and help shape the response to homelessness in Chicago. survey.alchemer.com/s3/8206619/C...

This is what Latino unity looks like! Last week, more than 800 community members, advocates, allies, and decision makers from across Illinois gathered in our state capital to celebrate the Latino Unity Day Quinceañera. Thank you to every person who showed up and made #LUD2025 unforgettable!

Behind every Latino Unity Day celebration is a community of sponsors who help make it possible. Thank you to our sponsors for believing in the power of Latino leadership, advocacy, and collective action. Your partnership helps us drive change and build a better future for all of IL. #LUD2025

This morning, the Latino Policy Forum, along with partner organizations, advocates, and lawmakers held a press conference in opposition to Secretary Noem planned visit to Springfield, sending a powerful message that Illinois is united and we will protect everyone in our community. #LUD2025

No amount of threats, executive orders, or disinformation will change what we already know: welcoming policies make our communities safer, healthier, and stronger. Learn more about the facts behind welcoming policies and why they matter: latinopolicyforum.org/welcoming-po...

For Latinos living without stable housing, many are uncounted and unsupported. This is not just about shelter. It’s about ensuring every family has the chance to thrive. Learn what’s at stake for housing and homelessness prevention in the FY26 State Budget: latinopolicyforum.org/a-roof-over-...

Exciting news: HB3026 has passed out of the Senate Education Committee! This bill would empower school districts to grow and strengthen dual language programs, one of the most effective models for supporting English Learners and boosting academic success for all students in IL.

The 2025 MLA cohort is growing, connecting, and stepping into their power. We’re also holding space for the memory of Arkey Adams, a cherished member of the cohort whose presence left a lasting impact. Read the spring update and support her loved ones: latinopolicyforum.org/2025-mla-coh...

Undocumented immigrants pay billions in taxes each year knowing they won't get benefits. Now the IRS is sharing their private info with ICE, betraying the trust they placed in the system. Read more from Marcela Rodriguez, Illinois Latino Agenda co-chair: chicago.suntimes.com/letters-to-t...

The Latino Policy Forum is hiring an Executive Coordinator and Accountant! We're looking for mission-driven folks passionate about advancing Latino equity in Illinois. Learn more and apply: latinopolicyforum.org/employment/

The Illinois State budget isn’t just numbers. It’s a reflection of our values. And advocating for what matters, from bilingual education to immigrant services, starts with us. Learn what’s at stake for Latinos and how to take action this budget season: latinopolicyforum.org/latino-advoc...

We’re honored to welcome City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado as a featured panelist at Latino Unity Day 2025! He’ll speak on the panel “Defending Diversity: Assessing the Impact of the Federal Administration and the Future of Inclusion.” Register at latinounityday.com

Since 2017, Evidenced-Based Funding (EBF) reduced the number of severely underfunded districts in IL, yet Latino and English Learner students are still left behind. A $550M investment in EBF can change that. Tell your legislators to #FundTheFormula TODAY! advanceillinois.quorum.us/campaign/Leg...

Every family in IL should be able to care for their children. But as the cost of living rises, families are feeling the pressure. A Child Tax Credit could bring relief, especially for Latinos, and help all families build a more stable future for their children. economicsecurity.us/wp-content/u...

For too many Latinos, college is simply unaffordable. Many work full-time or attend classes part-time to make ends meet, making it harder to graduate. Need-based aid like the IL MAP grant boosts full-time enrollment and Latino student success. Learn more: latinopolicyforum.org/education/hi...