Chicago approved $51 million to care for migrants after more than 8,000 asylum seekers have arrived from border states since August.
(Bloomberg) — Chicago approved $51 million to care for migrants after more than 8,000 asylum seekers have arrived from border states since August.
The 34-13 vote by the City Council on Wednesday followed a heated debate punctuated by calls for more aid from the state and federal governments, and questions about why more funds weren’t going to long-time residents in need.
The meeting, presided over by newly sworn-in Mayor Brandon Johnson, was marked by shouts, tears and calls for the 2024 budget he will propose in a few months to address homelessness and other issues facing Chicago.
Some proponents noted concern for the migrants, many of whom are living on floors in local police stations. Others asked why such urgency for funding hasn’t been shown for Black communities who have suffered decades of disinvestment, violence and school closures. Some aldermen asked why the money couldn’t go to homeless services for city residents or for reparations.
Chicago’s plight is part of a national humanitarian crisis that’s hit the largest US cities and their budgets. New York, which has received more than 72,000 asylum seekers over the last year, is spending $8 million a day to provide housing to migrants. Mayor Eric Adams has asked a judge to temporarily suspend a decades-old court ruling requiring the city to shelter homeless adults as the city strains to meet that mandate.
Other speakers in Chicago on Wednesday called for unity among the various minority communities in the diverse city of about 2.7 million, which is about 29% Latino and 29% Black. Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, who was in tears as she spoke in the chamber, said that as a Black woman and elected official who represents a diverse ward that lacks basic amenities, she was conflicted. She expressed anger at the treatment of Black communities but voted for the measure to help the migrants.
“The soul of Chicago is somewhat on trial today regarding this ordinance,” said Alderman David Moore, who voted against the measure. “As I sat here and listened to people, my heart was sort of broken.”
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