Migrants Crisis
Thousands of people from foreign states and regions, like Venezuela, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Colombia, Cuba, etc. are migrating to Chicago. many of them arrive to Texas, and from there they come to Chicago. In fact, as of October 5, more than 17,000 new migrants have arrived to the city since August 2022. Due to this rise on incoming migrants, many of them are looking for jobs. Unfortunately some can’t work because they need a work permit from the state. On the other side, many other migrants are working illegally. Which is why alderpersons, organizations, and activists are calling on Chicago Officials to allow more work permits for those individuals who are looking to work for themselves and their families sustainability. Also, considering that this issue is also affecting immigrants that have been in the city way long before.
As a matter of fact nearly 20,000 undocumented people in Chicago are working without a permit, which sets them up for wage theft and are more vulnerable in the workforce. Alderperson of the 33rd Ward, Rossana Rodriguez, stated, “People are asking to be able to work, to be able to work in safe conditions, to be able to earn decent wages. We know that people are working, but people are working in unsafe conditions.”
Why Are People Migrating to Chicago
However, this is a difficult situation because day by day more and more people kept and keep coming in, which is why this has turned into a migrant crisis. It has been a very overwhelming situation in terms of refugees to place them in, work and more factors. Most immigrants are coming to this country for many different reasons, which some of them can include:
- Better opportunities.
- Economic opportunities.
- Climate disasters.
- Fleeing from violence.
- Hope to reunite with family and/or more.
Current and New Immigrants Are Experiencing Work Permit Issues
The new migrants that are coming to Chicago, are getting all the support possible. There is many non-profit organizations, that provide them with free food, also blankets, clothes and essential necessities. Nonetheless, they still need to work. Because refugees are getting full and space is running out for them, in order for them to have a roof over their head. As of now there is a lot of families that are staying in police departments, parks, under bridges, airports, etc.
The good news is that President Biden has granted temporary protective status to newly arrived Venezuelan immigrants. With this support they will be able to work legally for up to 18 months.
What More Is Being Done about This Issue
Besides the relief temporary protection status that was established, there still needs to be more work done for the rest of undocumented people who are also hoping for legal employment. Which is why immigration advocates are pushing the federal government to help longtime undocumented residents have access to a work permit, now that there is being support provided for those who are newly arrived.
Different organizations are standing up and working for this to change and to get a work permit to as many undocumented people as possible, such as:
- The Resurrection Project.
- Southwest Organizing Project.
- Enlace Chicago.
- Latino Policy Forum and other groups.
With the help of these Chicago organizations and alderpersons they are raising awareness and they are advocating for them so more people can have the opportunity and acquire a work permit that would allow them to work legally and not exploit them or be taken advantage of them anymore.
Written by Jeanette Sanchez
Sources:
FOX 32 Chicago: Alderpersons, activists call on Chicago officials to give work permits to undocumented immigrants
Block Club Chicago: Activists To Hold Rally Demanding Work Permits For All Immigrants
CBS News Chicago: After U.S. offers migrants work permits, Chicago activists call for more action
CBS News Chicago: After migrants granted work permits, similar help sought for undocumented people in Illinois
Featured Image Courtesy of Fibonacci Blue Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Fibonacci Blue Flickr Page-Create Commons License
