CAIR-Chicago Joins PAVE Coalition for Asian American Action Day at IL Capitol!

CAIR-Chicago’s Outreach team joined the PAVE (Pan-Asian Voter Empowerment) Coalition, alongside partners including the Muslim Civic Coalition, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago, for Asian American Action Day at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on May 6, 2026.

Held during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month under the theme “Protect Our Futures,” the advocacy day brought together hundreds of community members, organizers, and allies from across Illinois to engage lawmakers on issues impacting immigrant and minority communities.

Throughout the day, CAIR-Chicago and coalition partners met with legislators to advocate for protecting Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors and Adults (HBIS), safeguarding personal data from ICE access, and supporting efforts to establish Illinois as an ICE-free zone.

Advocates also pushed for $5 million in funding to implement Illinois’ landmark halal and kosher meals law passed last year — making Illinois the first state in the nation to require inclusive meal options in public institutions. The proposed funding would support staff training, vendor certification, and the safe, consistent availability of halal and kosher meals statewide.

As part of the coordinated lobbying effort, advocates met with several lawmakers, including State Senators and Representatives Bill Cunningham, Robert Martwick, and Lindsey LaPointe, to advance the coalition’s legislative priorities.