Announcement of the formation of a new legislative working group to address the ongoing influx of migrants and asylum seekers arriving in the state from the country's southern border was made by the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

The 'New Arrivals Working Group' will be led by Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz.

“The recent influx of migrants into our state provides challenges and opportunities that require thoughtful engagement and consensus building,” House Speaker Chris Welch said in a statement. “We know this issue will be an important part of conversations this session, which is why I’m putting together a diverse team with strong, relevant backgrounds ready to act as needed. Representative Gong-Gershowitz has decades of experience understanding the complex issues related to immigration, and I’m confident she will lead this group with the skill, knowledge and compassion required.”

Other members of the working group are Representative Robyn Gabel, Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth, Representative Kam Buckner, Representative Dagmara Avelar, Representative Eva-Dina Delgado, Representative Terra Costa Howard, Representative Hoan Huynh, and Representative Dave Vella.