Starting in 2024, a new Illinois law will prevent landlords from discriminating against prospective tenants based on their immigration status. Signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker, SB 1817 enhances the Illinois Human Rights Act to include protections against housing discrimination based on immigration status and discriminatory advertising.
This law is one of several recent legislative actions taken by Governor Pritzker, including a measure to provide undocumented immigrants with standard state driver's licenses, replacing the temporary licenses currently held by over 300,000 individuals. This new license will be valid for four years.
Governor Pritzker emphasized the importance of removing obstacles for undocumented immigrants, stating that this legislation promotes safer roads, reduces stigma, and fosters more equitable systems.
State Senator Ann Gillespie, a key advocate for the housing rights expansion, highlighted the bill's purpose of preventing unjust housing denial and protecting immigrants from discriminatory practices by financial institutions and service providers. The law allows inquiries into immigration status only when legally required.
Senator Gillespie believes this law will help immigrants secure housing and contribute to their communities, emphasizing that a person's background shouldn't be a barrier to renting or buying property.
