In a stark reversal of its “welcoming city” reputation, Chicago is now facing a crisis in its shelter system for illegal immigrants. Despite enshrining protections for these individuals under the Welcoming City Ordinance in 2006, the city is now merging its shelter system with the homeless shelter system, leaving many without a place to stay.
According to Mayor Brandon Johnson, only those who have been in the country for less than a month will be eligible for shelter in the “new arrivals” program, which will have limited capacity. Those who are sick, pregnant, or disabled may be eligible for extensions until January 1, 2025, but others will not be guaranteed shelter for at least two months, leaving them vulnerable to the harsh winter weather.
Chicago’s temperatures average just 28 F in November and December, and the city’s residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the city’s priorities. Johnson has been seeking federal funding to support the shelter system, but in the meantime, he is using taxpayer dollars to provide for individuals who are in the country illegally.
This move has been widely criticized as a betrayal of the city’s “welcoming city” ethos, which has long emphasized the importance of providing support and shelter to all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. However, Johnson’s decision to prioritize the needs of new arrivals over those of long-time Chicagoans has sparked a backlash.
In a statement earlier this year, Johnson said that “Longtime Chicagoans don’t have to lose for new arrivals to gain — there’s enough space at the table for all of us to sit and eat.” However, it appears that the city’s shelter system is not equipped to accommodate everyone, and Johnson is being forced to make difficult choices.
Despite this, Chicago remains committed to its sanctuary city status, which has led to a surge in immigration to the city. However, the city’s actions on the ground suggest that it is more focused on placating left-wing activists and voters who are upset about the city’s handling of the issue than on actually providing support to those in need.
As the city grapples with its shelter crisis, it is clear that the “welcoming city” declaration is nothing more than a hollow promise. Instead of providing a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals, Chicago is using its most vulnerable residents as political pawns to score points with its liberal base.
