Blog Posts

As the leading civil rights and civil liberties organization in the Land of Lincoln, the ACLU of Illinois works constantly to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do in the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than an informed and engaged public citizenry. Knowledge is power.

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Sep 6, 2017

In Hostile Environment for Transgender Citizens, Illinois Takes a Big Step Forward with New Vital Records Law

By Maya Zimmerman

I am a proud transgender woman born and raised in Illinois. But that does not define me completely. I am also a runner, a knitter, and a musician. I love my wife, my son...

By Maya Zimmerman

I am a proud transgender woman born and raised in Illinois. But that does not define me completely. I am also a runner, a knitter, and a musician. I love my wife, my son...

Aug 31, 2017

DACA in Illinois: “Being Undocumented Leaves You Vulnerable”

By Guillermo Camarillo, Communications Intern, Stanford in Government Program Recipient

To honor DACA’s fifth anniversary, the ACLU of Illinois has launched a storytelling project featuring...

By Guillermo Camarillo, Communications Intern, Stanford in Government Program Recipient

To honor DACA’s fifth anniversary, the ACLU of Illinois has launched a storytelling project featuring...

Aug 30, 2017

DACA in Illinois: Suri’s Story

I currently attend Harold Washington College. I am interested in majoring in Latin American studies or an area that involves public policy. I didn’t know about my history or where I came from until I took a...

Aug 24, 2017

DACA in Illinois: Julio’s Story

My name is Julio Cesar Reyes. Back home in Zacatecas, Estancia de Animas, Villa Gonzalez, Mexico; I lived in a small masonry home with very limited exposure to architecture and very few construction...

Aug 22, 2017

DACA in Illinois– “DACA was Born Out of Activism”

I can’t imagine getting into college without DACA. I can’t imagine doing half the things I did in high school without DACA. With it, I was able to travel with my mock trial team.

Aug 18, 2017

DACA in Illinois – “My Whole Life is Here”

My roots are in Chicago. My whole life is here, my family and husband are here. We just bought a house and we depend on my income to support my family. Just to know that my job, our house, our life here...