Full Breakdown
Community Change Action Advocates for Guaranteed Income for Illegal Immigrants
3/18/2026, 2:58:25 PM
Core Event: Advocacy for Economic Protections
Community Change Action, the advocacy arm of Community Change, is pushing for a guaranteed income program in Illinois that includes illegal immigrants. The organization aims to create an "immigrant-inclusive democracy" that ensures all individuals, regardless of immigration status, receive basic social and economic protections. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote "economic freedom" and secure a permanent statewide guaranteed income program for 100,000 eligible residents in Illinois.
Background & Context: Establishing Guaranteed Income
Community Change Action has been instrumental in launching the first permanent cash assistance program in the United States, which began in Cook County. The organization successfully secured $7.5 million to initiate this program, and it is currently working on finalizing the rules and regulations for the statewide initiative. The first payments are expected to commence by late summer or early fall of this year. Byron Hobbs, the director of organizing for the economic freedom team at Community Change, emphasized the importance of educating the public about guaranteed income and mobilizing support for its expansion throughout Illinois.
Key Figures & Groups: Community Change Action
Community Change Action is led by figures such as Byron Hobbs and Desmond Serette, who advocate for economic protections and social justice. The organization has also called for the defunding of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in response to incidents involving federal agents. Their activism includes public demonstrations and lobbying efforts aimed at influencing lawmakers to support their initiatives.
Criticism & Opposition: Concerns Over Inclusion of Illegal Immigrants
The push for guaranteed income for illegal immigrants has drawn criticism from various sectors. Opponents argue that providing financial assistance to individuals without legal status could strain public resources and divert funds from citizens in need. Critics also express concern over the implications of including illegal immigrants in social welfare programs, suggesting it may encourage further illegal immigration.
Official Statements & Responses
Community Change Action has articulated its vision for economic security, stating, "A guaranteed income empowers workers and families with economic security." The organization aims to educate communities about guaranteed income while advocating for its implementation at all government levels. Desmond Serette highlighted the community's resilience against ICE actions, urging representatives to "confront this administration" and cut funding to ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
What's Next: Future Developments in Guaranteed Income Advocacy
As Community Change Action continues its advocacy efforts, the organization plans to expand its initiatives beyond Illinois, aiming for a federal guaranteed income program. The upcoming implementation of the statewide program will serve as a critical test case for the broader goals of the organization and its partners.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A guaranteed income empowers workers and families with economic security,” — Community Change Action
- “The least our representatives could do is confront this administration, use their power of the purse, and cut off the flow of funds to ICE and CBP.” — Desmond Serette, Interim Chief of Programs at Community Change Action
