Chicago has started evicting migrant families from city shelters, a move driven by the need to manage overstretched resources and shelter capacities. This controversial policy, which had been delayed several times, officially began on Sunday. The city is enforcing a 60-day limit on shelter stays, which means migrants must find alternative housing or reapply for shelter upon reaching their exit date.
The policy has been met with significant backlash from community advocates and some city officials. Alderman Andre Vasquez, chair of the City Council’s Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights, has been a vocal critic, urging Mayor Brandon Johnson to revoke the limit entirely. Vasquez argues that no one in need of shelter should face the uncertainty of eviction, especially given the lack of resources available to these families.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has begun the process of removing from city shelters dozens of migrant families, including those with children who attended Chicago Public Schools. https://t.co/UqSw4D64nZ
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) June 13, 2024
Initially, city officials planned to evict more than 2,000 migrants by the end of April, with many more facing eviction throughout the summer. The enforcement began with 34 single adults on Sunday, with families receiving exemptions until the end of the academic year in June. The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications reported that there were nearly 11,000 migrants living in 23 city shelters as of Thursday.
Migrants affected by the policy have expressed frustration and confusion. Franklin Romero, a Venezuelan migrant, recounted being informed just one day prior that he needed to vacate the shelter by 2 p.m. The short notice and lack of clear communication have left many feeling disrespected and anxious about their future. Similar stories from other migrants highlight the disorganization and stress caused by the new eviction rules.
“We are still living up to our values,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. @wttw https://t.co/9XXFFMW5pl
— Heather Cherone (@HeatherCherone) June 13, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson has defended the policy, citing the city's limited resources and the need for federal assistance to handle the influx of migrants.
Since August 2022, Chicago has received over 37,000 migrants, many of whom were sent by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as part of an effort to challenge President Joe Biden’s immigration policies and strain Democratic strongholds.
Despite the evictions, the city has implemented measures to provide ongoing support. Migrants can apply for extensions if they are awaiting government benefits, pregnant, caring for infants, or facing medical issues. These case-specific extensions are designed to ensure that the most vulnerable individuals continue to receive shelter and support.
The situation in Chicago reflects broader challenges faced by cities across the United States as they grapple with housing and supporting large numbers of migrants. The policy has sparked a debate about the balance between managing limited resources and providing humane treatment to those seeking asylum. As Chicago moves forward with these evictions, the city will need to navigate the complexities of resource allocation and humanitarian responsibility.
