North Cook News

House hopeful Jillian Bernas can discuss Gov. Bruce Rauner's signing sanctuary state legislation with personal experience.  

The Republican, who garnered 44.7 percent of the vote in 2016 against Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg) but lost to the incumbent, told North Cook News she has lived in different countries where she was subject to fulfilling visa and resident requirements.

“Other countries maintain strict laws for migration with high penalties for infractions. Comparatively, our country is very compassionate when it comes to migration,” Bernas, who is seeking the 56th seat that covers Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Roselle and Elk Grove Village, said.

The candidate specifically replied to The Hill article that reported The Make America Great Again Political Action Committee (PAC), backing President Donald Trump for re-election, called for an immediate end to sanctuary cities after the acquittal of the illegal immigrant Jose Ines Garcia Zarate over the shooting death San Francisco native Kate Steinle in 2014.

“There are many immigrants in our country who abide by the laws and add to the fabric of our country,” Bernas, an international relations manager and former teacher, said. “However, I think that people who come to our country and do harm have no place here. Sanctuary cities and states give unwarranted protections to people who do harm to U.S. citizens and other immigrants.”

Though Bernas said she considered herself a guest in other countries and was very respectful to the region's rules, that is not always the case.

“I understand that sanctuary advocates think this will hinder law enforcement officials in solving cases because immigrants overstaying their visas believe by cooperating with authorities, they will jeopardize their immigration status,” Berans said. “However, our country already has U visas that can be designated to undocumented immigrants who can help authorities solve crimes.”

The candidate said Rauner signing sanctuary state legislation was not exactly the right move.

“I would prefer legislation that educates immigrants about fulfilling visa requirements and the options they have when witnessing a crime than a policy that protects those participating in violence,” Bernas said.

Furthermore, Rauner’s legislation could impede immigrants who are truly trying to become Americans, she added.

“By passing policies and then changing policies, it causes general confusion over the immigration process and ultimately hurts those well-intentioned immigrants looking to contribute to our society,” Bernas said. “It also makes it easier for violent criminals to take advantage of U.S. citizens and other immigrants.”

If elected, the candidate said she will stop sanctuary city and state legislation.

“We can all agree that our state needs strong policies to help the authorities apprehend violent criminals,” Bernas said. “I am running so that legislation that protects our communities is passed and legislation that protects violent offenders never makes it to the governor’s desk.”