Posted on November 18, 2005

State Panels to Address Immigrants’ Concerns

Oscar Avila, Chicago Tribune, Nov. 18

Gov. Rod Blagojevich will create an office devoted to immigrants and convene a panel of experts to help the state better integrate its growing population of residents born outside the U.S., officials said Thursday.

Blagojevich plans to sign an executive order Saturday that would create the Office of New Americans Policy and Advocacy, based in the governor’s office, to help shape immigrant policy.

The office’s director would replace a current opening on the governor’s staff, officials said. The entire project would cost about $150,000.

The governor also plans to create an inter-departmental task force to coordinate immigration policy and make it easier for immigrants to learn English, buy homes and become U.S. citizens.

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