Chicago Democrats Seek Insights from New York City’s Handling of Migrant Surge
Chicago Democratic lawmakers have undertaken a journey to New York City to acquire insights into managing a migrant surge in their city.
Chicago faces an estimated cost of $255 million in dealing with this issue by the year’s end.
Led by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Democratic Socialist Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is leading this fact-finding mission, which includes Chicago Representatives Chuy Garcia, Delia Ramirez, Mike Quigley, and other House members.
The goal is to learn from New York City’s experiences in addressing the challenges posed by a growing number of asylum seekers.
Migrant Surge and Cost Challenges
Both New York and Chicago have witnessed a surge in asylum seekers. Conservative governors in southern states have transported migrants to northern progressive cities, leading to debates about cost responsibilities.
Chicago representatives aim to ensure federal support for their cities’ needs in assisting this population.
New York’s Migrant Crisis
New York City has faced a significant influx of more than 110,000 asylum seekers since the Spring of 2022.
This surge is expected to cost the city billions of dollars this year. Emergency tent shelters have been erected across the city to address the immediate needs of migrants.
Chicago’s Response
Chicago, facing a growing demand for shelter among migrants, plans to follow New York’s approach by converting various locations within the city into shelters.
The city leaders have yet to specify these locations, but they are considering climate-controlled military-grade tents.
Rocky Start and Public Reaction
The Chicago lawmakers’ visit to New York got off to a contentious start, with Ocasio-Cortez and her colleagues being heckled by furious New Yorkers outside the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan.
The press conference had to be cut short due to the vocal objections of the crowd.
Challenges in Housing Migrants
Chicago has grappled with housing thousands of migrants, with some left sleeping on the floor for up to 10 days at O’Hare Airport.
Conditions in makeshift shelters have been criticized for their poor-quality food, limited access to healthcare, hygiene facilities, inadequate bedding, and a lack of support for placing children in schools.
Continued Struggles and Shelters in Chicago
Chicago has faced ongoing challenges in accommodating the influx of migrants, with approximately 14,000 transported to the city by bus since August.
The city currently operates 15 shelters for asylum seekers, with plans for another shelter to open on the South Side in the near future.
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