HB 2731 is sponsored by Daniel Didech (Buffalo Grove), Rita Mayfield (Waukegan), Bob Morgan (Deerfield) and supported in the Senate by Mary Edly-Allen (Libertyville) and Adriane Johnson (Buffalo Grove). 

This bill would authorize the Lake County State’s Attorney's Office to develop and implement a pilot program to represent noncitizen victims of violent crimes in filings for victim-based immigration remedies before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administrative body. If funded, the program would allow the office to provide direct representation or legal counsel to 50 eligible noncitizen victims each year for the next five years. 

To qualify for assistance under the pilot program, an individual must be a noncitizen victim who has never been placed in removal proceedings, must have suffered a violent crime in Lake County, and must not be barred from seeking immigration remedies before the administrative body. The Office would also observe all ethical guidelines and only represent victims when there was not a legal conflict of interest.  

“Victims of violent crime should feel safe coming forward and working with law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable,” said Rep. Didech. “This bill builds on the Lake County State’s Attorney’s innovative work supporting crime victims by allowing their office to provide direct legal assistance to immigrant victims of crime, strengthening protections as they pursue justice.” 

Senator Edly-Allen said, “Community organizations like Mano a Mano Family Resource Center and others serving immigrant and working families support HB 2731 because these organizations see firsthand the barriers victims face when seeking justice. Their partnership and advocacy have helped shape a thoughtful, victim-centered approach that reflects the real needs of Lake County residents.” 

If enacted and funded, the Victim Centered Approach Pilot Program would operate for five years, serving up to 250 noncitizen victims of violent crime in Lake County, and strengthening collaboration between prosecutors and immigrant communities. 

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart stated, “Victims remain our top priority, and we must ensure that every victim feels safe and supported. HB 2731 recognizes that immigration-related fears can prevent victims from coming forward. By providing legal guidance in appropriate cases, we can enhance public safety and hold offenders accountable.”  

“HB 2731 is an innovative approach to focus on victims’ needs and giving access to immigration legal services is critical amongst the overwhelming situation of being victimized— not only for the victim who needs to navigate complex systems, but also for the health of communities and families,” Chief of Victim Services Jacqueline Herrera Giron stated. 

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office looks forward to working with state lawmakers and community partners to advance this legislation and further protect victims of violent crime.