Will County Committee Adds Path to Citizenship Support to Federal Agenda

Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026

Article Summary: The Will County Board Legislative Committee voted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to amend its federal legislative agenda to include support for a “clear path to citizenship” for immigrants. The decision followed a debate regarding the county’s purview on federal matters and the practicality of the proposal.

Federal Agenda Key Points:

• New Policy Position: The committee approved a statement reading: “The Will County Board supports strong immigration policies that provide a clear path to citizenship.”

• Split Vote: The amendment passed with opposition from members Julie Berkowicz and Kelly Hickey.

• Rationale: Proponents argued the current system is broken and leaves long-term residents in limbo; opponents cited concerns over national security and recent federal actions regarding due process.

• Additional Adoption: The committee also agreed to adopt the National Association of Counties (NACo) top 10 priorities into the county’s federal agenda.

JOLIET, Ill. — The Will County Board Legislative Committee on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, voted to formally support federal immigration reform that provides a “clear pathway to citizenship.” The measure was introduced by Board Member Daniel Butler (R-Frankfort) during the review of the county’s 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda.

Butler originally proposed a detailed resolution outlining a 10-year wait period and specific requirements for immigrants. He argued that many residents have lived and worked in the county for over 15 years without a defined route to naturalization.

“When you look at people, hardworking people, family people who actually are productive… they just want to know when,” Butler said. “If you offered a clearer pathway, that would make it more legitimate and people would be more willing to come in the proper way.”

The proposal sparked debate regarding the role of county government in federal policy. Board Member Julie Berkowicz (R-Naperville) opposed the measure, stating that immigration is strictly under federal jurisdiction and that guaranteeing a timeline for citizenship is impractical.

“I don’t think we need to dilute our federal agenda more,” Berkowicz said. “We have an immigration policy… We have congressmen, congresswomen, they’re on the front line doing this.”

Member Kelly Hickey (D-Naperville) also voted against the amendment, expressing concern that the statement glossed over recent controversial federal actions, including issues regarding due process and the revocation of visas.

“I really don’t think we should be addressing this at all,” Hickey said.

Despite the opposition, Board Member Sherry Williams (D-Crest Hill) supported the simplified statement, noting that the current system is broken.

“I don’t hear any of these Congress people… talking about overhauling the immigration system,” Williams said. “Maybe we need to prompt them to do just that.”

The committee ultimately voted to include the simplified sentence: “The Will County Board supports strong immigration policies that provide a clear path to citizenship.” The motion passed with Berkowicz and Hickey voting no. The full federal agenda, as amended, was subsequently approved and will move to the full board.