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Chicago mayors new migrant plan
Thirty-four thousand asylum seekers have arrived in Chicago, and there is no indication that the number of new arrivals is likely to slow any time soon.
CHICAGO - Thirty-four thousand asylum seekers have arrived in Chicago, and there is no indication that the number of new arrivals is likely to slow any time soon.
On Monday, Mayor Brandon Johnson held an impromptu meeting with suburban leaders to outline a new plan of attack.
It's a change in strategy from Mayor Johnson for dealing with the steady arrival of migrants into the city. A closed-door meeting was held today between his office and two dozen suburban leaders, including Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso.
"He's looking for increased spending and increased money and support for shelters and services, so he can better house the migrants in and within Chicago," Grasso said.
Part of Johnson's plan includes more reliance on state and federal resources. No new shelter beds will be provided. Instead, beds will be filled as migrants exit, putting more pressure on asylum seekers to find permanent housing faster.
"They provided help to migrants who got here in October or earlier by assisting them with housing for three months. After that time, they are on their own," said John Freddi Herrera, an asylum seeker from Venezuela. "For people who came to Chicago after October, they aren’t providing the same help."
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Chicago mayor hosts closed-door migrant meeting
On Monday, Mayor Brandon Johnson convened a closed-door meeting with 25 suburban mayors to discuss the "New Arrivals" program. The meeting, originally scheduled for last Tuesday, was postponed.
Complicating the migrant issue is the arrival of extreme winter weather. Tonight's forecast is calling for a wintry mix of rain, snow and ice.
"What we are seeing is it is still getting colder out, it’s wetter and rainier out, people are still arriving, not just in Chicago but all throughout the suburbs," said Chicago Alderman Ray Lopez.
Johnson's new plan also includes a greater focus on getting work permits for asylum seekers, some of whom may now be living here longer than the law allows.
"The question I get is, are these people legal? Yes, they are, but at some point if they don't go through the process, they're not legal anymore, and after all, it's been some time," Grasso said.