Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson has officially announced the eviction of migrants from the city shelters. Although due to the heavy weather conditions the eviction will not take place until at least February 1. Initially, the eviction was set to start January 22. However, the terrible weather conditions made it impossible to take people out.
Moreover, this makes it the second time, in less than a week, the mayor suspends the 60-day limit he imposed on shelter stays for migrants and people have started to noticed. Despite the short paused on the evictions, it is estimated that by the end of February 6,239 migrants will be removed from local shelters by officials, according to the city data.
Furthermore, according to the city’s data, approximately 1,900 migrants could possibly be evicted from the city’s shelters February 1 and another 961 individuals could be evicted February 2. From the individuals being evicted, it is unclear how many will be able to obtain permanent housing or a work permit in the next two weeks. There is also no intentions of opening new shelters or add beds to the 28 existing shelters already.
60-Day Limit
The purposed of the 60-day limit as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said, “It puts some onus on all levels of government to help move with some expedition to get people to work.” The 60-day limit puts pressured on migrants and forces many to find housing and work. However, if many are unable to find housing or working during the trial, but are taking the actions necessary to find a solution an extension can be granted.
Mayor Brandon Johnson also wanted to make it clear that he is not putting migrants needs ahead of any Chicagoans. The mayor understand that the problem needs to be solved without damaging anyone else. Mayor Johnson said in a statement:
A promise to never sacrifice the needs of Chicagoans in support of those who wish to become Chicagoans. Chicago, I heard you, and I hear you.
Plan to Deal with the City’s Growing Migrant Crisis
On Friday morning, Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson released his plan to deal with the growing migrants crisis. The plan included limiting the migrants stay in the shelters. This action has already manage to reduce the number of buses arriving to Chicago with asylum seekers. Also, in order to save space in the shelter system the migrants arriving will be immediately taken to their next destination or help to find shelter.
In addition, the city has already been offer financial support to help with the growing population of migrants. Governor JB Pritzker announced that an additional $160 million in funding will be given to assist, including $30 million for a centralized intake center. Moreover, migrants will be asked if Chicago is their final destination if not transportation will be facilitated. Also, as previously mentioned shelters have a stay limit. Meaning, that the eviction notice will impact new arrivals and those who have already been in the shelter since 2022.
Individuals who arrived before August will start to be notify on December 4 and the rest wont be notify before February 4. Despite the eviction migrants won’t be forcibly remove. Overall, it is strongly encourage for migrants to look for housing and jobs during the 60 day period. This is because resources are limited and as migrants arrive the help and assistance will minimize.
Written By Nohemi Sanchez
Sources:
WTTW NEWS: Chicago Won’t Evict Migrants Until Feb. 1, Officials Announced
ABC 7: Chicago migrant plan details released by Mayor Brandon Johnson
ABC 7: Chicago migrants will have 60-day limit to shelter stays, Mayor Johnson announces
Featured Image Courtesy of Nohemi Sanchez
Inset Image Courtesy of Jeanne Manjoulet Flickr Page – Creative Common License
