- Published: 13 August 2021
SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law championed by State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin), immigrants from age 18 to 21 will now see increased protections in line with federal law.
“The young people who will be affected by this law are some of the most vulnerable in our state,” Castro said. “I am glad to see this extension of protections signed into law, bringing Illinois in line with what is already practiced at the federal level.”
The law allows a court hearing a case under the Juvenile Court Act to designate a young adult as a “special immigrant minor.” This allows the court to place the young adult with a guardian if it is not viable to place them with a parent due to neglect, abuse or abandonment.