JCUA activism influences passage of religious-ministry bill in Illinois

With minutes to spare in the 2008 fall veto session, Illinois lawmakers unanimously passed the "Access to Religious Ministry Act" (HB 4613), giving immigrants at federally run detention centers more time with clergy.

JCUA took a leadership role on the Interfaith Committee on Detention Centers, which kept legislators focused on the bill as it bounced between House and Senate committees during the past six months. Board members, volunteers and staff lobbied vigorously in support of the law, participating in vigils outside the Broadview Detention Center and making several trips to Springfield. Special recognition goes to Rabbi Darryl Crystal of KAM Isaiah Israel, Sidney Hollander, Peggy Slater, and Jim Newman. Rabbi Brant Rosen of Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation was key in organizing actions at the detention center.

Under provisions of the new law, a facility cannot limit an immigrant’s time with a religious figure, and officials must provide advance notice of religious workers’ availability. The visits also cannot count against other visitations.