As Illinois lawmakers gather in Springfield for the Fall veto session, one noticeable absence on their agenda is the lack of funding to assist Chicago in managing the influx of noncitizen migrants. Despite Mayor Brandon Johnson’s efforts, this pressing issue has yet to be addressed.
The Mayor’s proposed 2024 budget allocates only $150 million for migrant housing and care, falling significantly short of this year’s projected costs and raising concerns about the city’s ability to provide adequate support.
This situation arises from Chicago and several other Democrat-run cities declaring themselves “sanctuary cities” and pledging non-cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Consequently, these cities have become destinations for busloads of migrants arriving from states along the southern border.
Both Mayor Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker have appealed to the White House for financial assistance, as the daily influx of migrants threatens to overwhelm public resources, necessitating urgent aid.
To handle the influx, the city has resorted to housing migrants at various locations, including O’Hare airport, police stations, unused schools, and apartment complexes. However, these measures have not been without challenges, leading to concerns and frustrations among neighboring communities.
Mayor Johnson’s team has emphasized that discussions with the state are ongoing, indicating a continued effort to address the crisis.
As lawmakers convene, the question of how to support Chicago in dealing with the migrant crisis remains unanswered. The outcome of these deliberations will have far-reaching implications for both the city and its residents.
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