Cullerton slams Rauner’s veto of immigrant protection

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP)  The Democratic president of the Illinois Senate says Gov. Bruce Rauner delivered a “slap in the face” to immigrant crime victims with a veto of legislation to encourage them to participate in criminal investigations.

Sen. John Cullerton of Chicago sponsored the plan which Rauner rejected on Friday. It would push police to move more quickly to sign certification that an immigrant is a cooperating crime victim. The certificate allows them federal protections against deportation and encourages cooperation.

Rauner says it’s too burdensome on police.

Rauner also vetoed a measure to prohibit landlords from reporting tenants they suspect are immigrants in the U.S. illegally. Sen. Iris Martinez is the sponsor. The Chicago Democrat says Rauner is trying to “score political points” while anti-immigrant rhetoric in the U.S. is high.

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