SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes joined members of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Raise The Floor Alliance in support of a new initiative to expand protections against worker retaliation based on an employee’s immigration status.

“Our families and loved ones shouldn’t have to work in fear,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Without protections, bosses can weaponize fear of termination or deportation to get workers to take on additional hours or work in unsafe conditions. Illinois needs to take a stance against bad employers so immigrant workers can have a safe, productive work environment, because that is a basic right.”

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights was formed in 1986 in response to the Immigration Reform and Control Act to be at the forefront of helping immigrants realize and contribute to America. Since then, ICIRR has played a pivotal role in establishing the nation’s first permanent line item in a state budget dedicated to immigrant services. ICIRR helps immigrant and refugee families with health care access, health and safety net services, education, legal support, social services and more.

Raise The Floor Alliance works with communities to support low-wage workers who are not members of a collective bargaining organization and those excluded from coverage by U.S. labor laws. RTF works to ensure low-wage workers have access to quality jobs and are empowered to uphold and improve workplace standards.

For more information on the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and the Raise The Floor Alliance, visit their websites.