Immigration Advocacy
“As a second generation Mexican-American myself, I know firsthand that immigrant families are the backbone of our economy, our culture, and our future.” - Sam Sanchez
- Advocacy
Immigration Advocacy In Action
A strong advocate for immigration reform, Mr. Sanchez, has played a key role in several major statewide initiatives. He worked closely with Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to help secure driver’s licenses for undocumented recipients, enhancing accessibility, safety, and opportunity for young immigrants without appointments across the state. His efforts reflect his long-standing commitment to creating equitable pathways for immigrant workers, families, and business owners, just as all taxpayers in the United States.
Advancing Immigration Reform
As a member of ABIC (the American Business Immigration Coalition) and Co-Chair of Comité de 100, Sam has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing fair, practical immigration reform. In 2024, after the New York Times article went viral, he played an instrumental role in supporting President Biden’s executive action that created a pathway to residency for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. The coalition mobilized nationwide, preparing more than 80,000 applications before the Texas courts halted the process. Even with that setback, they successfully helped over 2,000 families obtain lawful residency, giving them the stability and dignity they deserve.
This advocacy has only intensified. In March 2025, the ABIC met with more than 120 legislators, and in October 2025, met with 240 members of Congress—mostly Republicans—to push for meaningful, bipartisan immigration solutions, just as they have consistently done for the past 20 years.
Bringing common sense to the House of Representatives
Senator Ruben Gallego, Sam Sanchez, and Comité de 100 are working together to bring common sense to the House of Representatives—advancing real, workable immigration reform that strengthens families, businesses, and the U.S. economy.
- Creating Pathways
2024 Ohtli Award
In 2024, Sam Sanchez received the Ohtli Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Mexican government on individuals living outside of Mexico who have demonstrated exceptional service to Mexican and Mexican-American communities. The award was presented in Chicago by Reyna Torres Mendivil, Ambassador and Consul General of the Mexican Consulate. The Ohtli Award is granted by the Instituto de Mexicanas y Mexicanos en el Exterior (IME) and recognizes leaders whose work strengthens cultural ties, expands opportunity, and advances justice for Mexican communities abroad. The word “Ohtli,” derived from Nahuatl, means “path” or “road,” symbolizing those who create pathways for others through leadership and service.