By: Ashmar Mandou
Another busload of 50 migrants arrived from Texas to Chicago on Monday, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot alongside other politicians are asking residents for help. The migrants were mostly families and placed at the Salvation Army shelter in Humboldt Park. During a press conference, Mayor Lightfoot condemned Texas Governor Greg Abbott calling his move to bus migrants to Chicago as “racist.”
“We have yet to hear from anyone in an official capacity from Texas,” Lightfoot said. “It’s unacceptable, we are talking about human beings’ lives, who themselves have gone through an incredible journey just to get to the United States. I think the decent human thing to do is to cooperate and collaborate.”
This is the second group to be dropped off in Chicago, after the first 75 migrants arrived at Union Station late Wednesday. Abbott has been sending busloads of migrants to New York and Washington, D.C., since April, blaming President Joe Biden’s administration for the flood in crossings and chaos along the border. Chicago has now joined the roster as it is a “sanctuary cities” for migrants seeking asylum. Weighing in on the controversial move from Governor Abbott were a few elected officials who shared a statement to media.
“Illinois has been and will continue to be a state that embraces people of all cultures and backgrounds. I am so proud to welcome these migrants who have sacrificed so much to build new lives in America, like many of our families and ancestors. I fully condemn the shameful and inhumane immigration policies of Texas and its governor. In stark contrast to Gov. Abbott, I will continue to ensure that Illinois accepts and uplifts those who choose to call our state home. As one of the chief co-sponsors of the 2017 Illinois Trust Act, I have spent my entire career working to make sure Illinois’ immigrants are treated with dignity and given the resources they need to make a life for themselves.” –State Representative Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez
“Chicago has a long history of welcoming immigrants who have come to the United States in pursuit of a better life, and we have welcomed these migrants no differently. Many of these new arrivals came with their families, including small children and infants, and they fled poverty, persecution, and violence. As members of Congress, we proudly welcome them to our city and we are working together to provide them with the resources they need during this time. Governor Abbott’s decision to send these families to Chicago without regard for their country of origin or their intentions in the United States is not a solution to the immigration crisis” –U.S. Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García, Mike Quigley, Jan Schakowsky, and Marie Newman
“The violence, cruelty and trauma immigrants face both as they work to flee their home country and at the American border is simply inhumane. While I am both disheartened and disgusted that the Texas government has treated human lives like they don’t matter, I am not surprised. Yet I am thankful to live and work in a state that welcomes refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants who are protected by good policy. We will continue to work diligently to provide a safe space and necessary resources for those who have dealt with much uncertainty. Chicago is – and will continue to be – a welcoming safe haven to any person who needs such help.” –State Senator Celina Villanueva
Volunteers from several of the city’s non-profits were on-site Sunday to help translate as an initial intake process took place. In the meantime, the City of Chicago is calling upon anyone who wants to help the migrant families to donate. Currently in the process of determining drop-off locations, items needed include gift cards, athletic shoes, new hygiene items, new clothing, diapers, baby formula, strollers. For more information on how you can become a volunteer or make a donation, visit www.chicago.gov.
