This week, Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) outlined Gov. Pritzker’s efforts to turn Illinois into a noncitizen welfare state in his op-ed, Gov. J.B. Pritzker invited, then mismanaged Illinois’ migrant crisis, printed in the Chicago Tribune.
“Some crises are unexpected. Others, such as Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s migrant crisis, are invited.

“Shortly after taking office, Pritzker proudly proclaimed, “Let there be no doubt that Illinois is a welcoming state.” He sent his invitation around the globe, announcing, “As the governor of Illinois, I proudly consent to the continuation of refugee admission to our state.”

“In the years since, he has systematically incentivized noncitizens to come to Illinois through his policies and promotion.

…Beyond his executive orders, the governor has signed a range of new laws, including legislation that prevents state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, to help cement Illinois as the destination state for noncitizens.

…This isn’t an argument about the value of immigration and the role it has played in building the United States of America. It’s a question of reality, of management and of what our already overtaxed residents can afford. The people of Illinois cannot afford the misplaced priorities, radical policies and grandiose promises of a governor seeking attention on the national stage.

There is also no question as to who is going to be picking up his tab.

Illinoisans with developmental disabilities who can’t access critical services are paying for it. Low-income families who rely on programs that help pay for food, shelter and utilities are paying for it. Small businesses that are still struggling from pandemic-related loss are paying for it. Neglected veterans in need of lifesaving mental health services are paying for it.

There should be no mistake – the Illinois migrant crisis is no accident. Pritzker implemented and advertised radical policies to attract noncitizens to Illinois, and now that his generous invitation has been accepted, he is deflecting blame for his mismanagement.

“In the coming months, as the governor tries to stick Illinoisans with the ever-increasing bill for his misplaced priorities, we will remind him that this is a crisis that he not just invited — but also created.”

You can view the whole op ed at: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/01/30/sen-john-curran-gov-j-b-pritzker-invited-then-mismanaged-illinois-migrant-crisis/