Illinois consistently ranks among the top half-dozen states immigrants choose to call home, making us the leading Midwest port of entry. Currently, we rank sixth behind California, New York, Texas, Florida and New Jersey in the number of immigrants who have established residency Between 1970 and 1980, though, according to U.S. Census figures, Illinois ranked as high as number three on two occasions. We averaged fourth during that decade. Throughout the '80s, we ranked sixth in each year but one. In 1993, Polish immigrants made up the largest ethnic group migrating to Illinois, at 10,651, according to the most recent census figures available. Mexicans made up the second largest group at 8,91 I.Indian (3,991) and Chinese (3,170) immigrants were next on the list. There were 923 Vietnamese immigrants and 743 Irish immigrants. Most immigrants who move to Illinois settle in Chicago — though they may relocate to other parts of the state — making the city one of the most diverse urban areas in the country.

Photography by Bill Stainets /Impact Visuals North Milwaukee Avenue on Chicago's Northwest Side is a magnet for the Polish community in the metropolitan area. Shoppers even come to the neighborhood from the surrounding suburbs.

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The shoppers above are enjoying a Sunday afternoon on Chicago's North Milwaukee Avenue. They're selecting over-the-counter "homemade Polish specialties," including sausages and other meats, featured at Andy's Deli. Poles still make up the largest ethnic group choosing to relocate in this state.

These Sunday shoppers take a moment to rest under the "el" along Argyle Street in Uptown. This Southeast Asian shopping district on Chicago's far North Side welcomes Vietnamese, Chinese and other Asian immigrants.

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Devon Avenue in Chicago's West Rogers Park neighborhood is a good place to find Indian and Pakistani grocery stores. That neighborhood is located on the city's far North Side.

The pressure is on in Congress to change immigration laws Early this year, the Judiciary Committee in the U.S. Senate is scheduled to consider a measure that would make it more difficult for immigrants to bring their families to the United States. The legislation, sponsored by Republican Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming, would reduce the number of immigrants who legally can come to this country. That number would be reduced from 675,000 each year to 525,000, not including refugees. Of that number, 75,000 would be allowed to immigrate to fill jobs. The rest would be allowed into the United States as relatives of U.S. citizens. The bill would exclude adult married children and adult brothers and sisters of American citizens from being allowed to move here under relatives' sponsorship. The measure also would require proof that sponsors would be responsible for health care, and other welfare-related costs for elderly parents. Critics of the reform effort contend the measure would place too heavy a financial burden on Americans who want their aging parents to join them in the United States.

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The Flares family does its Saturday shopping along 26th Street in Little Village. Little Village, on the city's West Side, has the highest concentration of Mexicans in the Midwest. Goods they want from Mexico can be gotten here. The retail corridor along 26th is among the most lucrative business districts in Chicago, based on sales tax revenue. In fact, many Hispanic business owners have done so well they've opened second and third stores in the nearby suburbs. Maria Salceda (below) prepares flower and balloon arrangements in a shop on south Central Park, near 26th Street in Little Village. The shop provides the arrangements for any special occasion, such as a birth, death or a wedding.

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Pablo's Hair Studio on south Central Park, near 26th, provides haircuts for neighborhood residents and for visitors to Little Village.

Officially speaking The sign in this shop window on West Devon in Chicago's North Side Rogers Park neighborhood calls to mind the federal debate over English as an "'official" language. The issue has even been inserted into the presidential campaign. Republican front-runner Bob Dole has urged that English be adopted as the official national language. Meanwhile, Illinois is already one of 22 states that have adopted English as the official state language. Based on data gathered by the state, after English, Spanish is the language spoken most often in the schools. Polish is third.

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