State Representative Lilian Jiménez

06/05/2026

Legislative Update: HB4890, also known as Ashley's Bill, was signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on June 1st, 2026.

Children in Illinois deserve to be safe, supported, and given every opportunity to heal and thrive. That is no longer the reality we are seeing under the Trump administration, where children are being held in detention for months with no clear end in sight.

HB4890 changes that by allowing children in federal immigration custody to apply for a humanitarian visa by establishing a new pathway for dependency in Illinois courts. We are reinforcing that protecting vulnerable children is a shared valued in Illinois.

Thank you to the National Immigrant Justice Center, Children’s Legal Center, and the Cook County Public Guardian for their partnership in advancing this legislation.

06/03/2026

We had a wonderful time with ALSO, the 26th Ward, and community organizations at the 31st Annual Walk for Peace and Cookout. Thank you to the community organizations and advocates that work hard to keep our communities safe through year-round violence prevention programming. After the march, we enjoyed an afternoon of facepainting, food, and activities alongside community members.

06/02/2026

The Department of Family and Support Services will be hosting a Health & Resources Fair alongside the Trina Davila Center. Individuals will be able to access a variety of healthcare resources.

Date: Friday, June 12th
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Trina Davila Center (4312 W. North Ave)

06/02/2026

Last week, Illinois legislators had the opportunity to honor the remarkable legacy of Senator Dick Durbin and his more than 40 years of public service representing Illinois.

I was especially grateful to welcome Senator Durbin's office and highlight our partnership on HB 4890, my bill that helps ensure detained immigrant youth in Illinois have a pathway to legally stay in this country rather than being forced to accept voluntary departure.

It was especially noteworthy that during his speech to the Illinois legislature, Senator Durbin reflected on being the son of a Lithuanian immigrant. His mother arrived in this country at the age of 2, as her mother was in search of opportunity, without wealth, without connections, and without speaking English. Like so many immigrant families, they faced uncertainty and doubt—but through courage and determination, they built a life and helped strengthen the very fabric of our nation.

That story feels deeply personal.

As the daughter of an immigrant mother who once lived without legal status, I know firsthand the sacrifices immigrant families make in pursuit of a better future. It is what inspired me to become an immigration attorney, to fight for the labor rights of immigrant workers, to help establish Welcoming Centers that connect new arrivals with critical resources, and now, as a legislator, to advance policies that protect immigrant communities from efforts to divide, dehumanize, and exclude them.

Senator Durbin's leadership helped shape some of the most significant immigrant rights moments of our time, from championing the DREAM Act to supporting the young people who envisioned and fought for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which has allowed hundreds of thousands of young people to work, study, and contribute to the only country many of them have ever known.

Immigrants are not a threat to the American story—they are the American story. Their courage, resilience, and contributions have built our communities and continue to make our country stronger every day.

Thank you, Senator Durbin, for a lifetime of service and for never stopping the fight for a more welcoming and just America.

06/01/2026

The Illinois General Assembly officially adjourned early this morning, marking the end of this year's spring legislation session. I'm proud to share the bills that I sponsored this session and are now heading to the Governor's desk. These are bills that advance justice, equity, and opportunities for all across Illinois.

Thank you to advocates, staff, and colleagues who worked alongside me to advance these pieces of legislation to serve our communities. Together, we are creating an Illinois where we all have the opportunity to thrive.

If you would like to read the entire bills -- please visit my page on ILGA via the link: bit.ly/3Osx5Hh

06/01/2026

Slightly before midnight I passed SB 248, a bill that provides an opportunity for youthful offenders to have a chance at a constitutional hearing that considers their age at the time of sentencing. Alongside Restore Justice Illinois, we have been working to pass this bill since my first session in 2023. It took 3 years, but we did it!

05/31/2026

05/29/2026

Legislative Update: HB4890 has passed both chambers and now heads to the Governor's desk.

HB4890 allows children in federal immigration custody to apply for a humanitarian visa by establishing a new pathway for dependency in Illinois courts. By establishing this clear pathway and access to court-ordered services, we are reinforcing our responsibility to protect vulnerable children from further harm. We are making sure no child is overlooked, and that Illinois remains a place all children are given the chance to heal.

Thank you to the National Immigrant Justice Center, Children’s Legal Center, and the Cook County Public Guardian for their partnership in advancing this legislation.

05/29/2026

It’s budget week in Springfield and I’m busy making sure we pass a budget with no cuts to social services! Thank you to all the organizations who joined us this week and took over the rotunda to say loud and clear: TAX THE RICH!!!

05/28/2026

Great news! Applications are now open for the ILLCF Soy El Futuro! Scholarship & Leadership
Program 2026.
This program provides $5,000 scholarships, leadership development opportunities, and access to a supportive community of Latino students and professionals across Illinois.

Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/soyelfuturo