Dupage Policy Journal

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he would sign a bill into law that allows individuals to select 'Arab American' as an ethnic option on registration forms.

"My office made this change years ago, and I look forward to signing this bill into law to ensure a more equitable Illinois,” he said.

Arab America wrote that the Chicago area has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the United States, noting the U.S. Census Bureau reported the Illinois Arab American population tripled since 1980. It added there are approximately three million Arab Americans in the U.S.

"This is a point where we want to be at,” Irshad Khan with the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago said to ABC 7. “We want to be counted. We want to be represented.”

In pushing for such legislation for at least the last six years, community leaders said they believe the new ethnic identity designation will give the state important insight into health care, education and employment.  

Community leaders said they don't have an accurate count of the number of Arab Americans in the state, just estimates. And, they said that will change and be among the first benefits when the law takes effect.

Arab America also wrote that Arab Americans began moving to the U.S. between the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Arab News reported Rep. Cyril Nichols (D-Burbank) also made efforts to give the Illinois Arab community recognition. Nicholas sought to have Arab-owned businesses classified as minority-owned so they can receive more contracts.

“So, I was approached and they said is it possible that you can look at making sure we get the minority status,” he said to Arab News. “I said yes, let me look at it. In Detroit, Michigan, one of the largest populations of Arab Americans they have this status ... We realized they had legislation in place. We took the same legislation and I said to my staff, look at this and see if this is what we are looking at.”