February 11, 2013

Mayor Rahm Emanuel Receives the Emma Lazarus Award for Immigrant Integration from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Recognition for Championing Naturalization; Creating Office of New Americans and Supporting the Passage of Driver's License for All

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Emma Lazarus Award

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Refugee Rights (ICIRR) presented the Emma Lazarus Award for Immigrant Integration to Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Saturday, February 9, 2013, for championing naturalization, creating the Office of New Americans and supporting the passage of SB 957, ensuring driver’s licenses for all regardless of their immigration status.

“I am honored to receive the Emma Lazarus inaugural award for immigrant integration from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. I look forward to working with you in the days ahead to push our city forward on the great American journey toward equality and opportunity for all. Immigrants have read Emma Lazarus’ famous words on the Statue of Liberty for more than a century. And immigrants have lived those words in Chicago for just as long, making our city what it is today. I commend ICIRR’s dedication and consistent work to promote the rights of immigrants and refugees and ensure equal and full participation in civic life. Chicago was built on the shoulders of immigrants and we see that same immigrant spirit strengthening our City today. From our support for the Illinois DREAM ACT, to making driver’s licenses available to all residents, to establishing initiatives that promote immigrant businesses and citizenship, we are creating more opportunities for immigrants to pursue their dreams,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. 

 

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Photo Caption:  Mayor Emanuel receives the Emma Lazarus Award.

 

Photo Credit: Brooke Collins/City of Chicago