“Immigrants have embraced Chicago and Chicago is embracing them right back,” said Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (IL-04). “By helping immigrants become citizens and full participants in the life of our city and nation, we are strengthening the bonds that hold our community together.

Mayor Emanuel announced the Chicago New Americans Initiative today. Led by a coalition of the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, the program promises to assist thousands of permanent residents in becoming citizens.