Chicago’s illegal immigrants now have the opportunity to receive up to $9,000 in rental assistance through a new state-run program. This initiative also includes funds to help furnish their new living spaces as the homeless population of Americans living on the city’s streets continues to rise.
The deputy chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, stated that taxpayers should expect to support housing and furnishing for the city’s illegal population for at least six months. The amount provided varies depending on individual circumstances.
“That rent lasts for six months and ideally people would have started their legal process, secured legal work authorization and be able to sustain that apartment. And so the cost, or I guess the payment toward the landlord is based on market rate, it’s based on the configuration of the parament—how many rooms, where it’s located—all those things. And so it varies from place to place,” Mr. Pacione-Zayas told Fox 32.
The state of Illinois has contributed $38 million to the program, while the city has allocated $4 million. This funding covers both rented apartments and homes for illegal immigrants, including assistance for moving in and setting up the new apartments.
This new program is in addition to existing funding aimed at helping illegal immigrants. In May, the Chicago City Council announced that $51 million from the budget would be used to address the influx of immigrants.
Chicago is currently facing a significant influx of illegal immigrants. Just last week, 41 new buses arrived in the city, bringing the total number of migrants in shelters to 11,000, with 4,000 still sleeping on police station floors and staying at airports.
Meanwhile, residents who witness their fellow Chicagoans living on the streets are outraged by what they perceive as a misallocation of funds. They believe that resources should be prioritized for the city’s own population in desperate need.
Tyrone Muhammad, executive director of ECCSC, a Chicago-based group advocating for social change, expressed his frustration, stating that limited resources should be directed towards Chicagoans rather than illegal immigrants.
“Instead of helping our own people, we are going to send these limited resources to the people who broke the law to help them furnish their new homes?” added Mr. Muhammed.
Over 68,000 Homeless Americans in Chicago
An estimated 68,440 homeless Americans are currently living on the streets of Chicago, according to the most recent data from 2021. This number has been steadily increasing over the past two years, as reported by the Chicago Coalition of the Homeless.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has emphasized the urgent need for federal assistance, stating that the city is reaching a breaking point.
“Let me state this clearly: The city of Chicago cannot go on welcoming new arrivals safely and capably without significant support and immigration policy changes,” Mayor Johnson told reporters at a news conference last September. “The feds haven’t sent any money.”
However, Mr. Muhammed argues that the crisis was partly created by Mayor Johnson and other elected officials.
“The priorities of our leaders to continue putting them above our own people is insane, and people are getting angrier and angrier every second of every day,” said Mr. Muhammed.
People congregate outside the Standard Club, once an elite private club, which is being used to house an influx of migrants to Chicago, Ill., on May 10, 2023. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
The office of the mayor declined to comment.
For several months, residents have also opposed the influx of illegal immigrants being relocated into their neighborhoods.
Anger on the Streets
Tensions reached a boiling point last month when over 200 residents attended an emergency community meeting to express their outrage over the city’s plan to relocate up to 300 illegal immigrants to the Chicago Lake Shore Hotel.
“I don’t want them there! Take them someplace else or send them back to Venezuela. I don’t care where they go,” shouted resident Doris Lewis, according to footage acquired by Fox 5. “This is wrong. You got 73 percent of the people that are homeless in the city are black people; what have you done for them?”
Other residents threatened to take matters into their own hands if the city didn’t take action.
“They disrespect us, rob us, harass us,” one woman said to ABC 7 Chicago. “We’re gonna take over. Nobody is gonna be able to stop us from what we’re gonna do to them.”
Furthermore, the city has experienced a surge in violence. As of August 31, Chicago police have responded to 1,677 shootings and 418 homicides this year. The influx of illegal immigrants has contributed to a sense of lawlessness, according to Mr. Muhammed.
“It’s a free-for-all,” said Mr. Muhammed. “Our streets are a literal war zone. Our men and women are being murdered every day as our officials continue to look the other way or pretend like they can’t see our community while they focus their time and energy on making sure the illegals are comfortable.”
“That will be reason number one why Mayor Johnson will be a one-term mayor,” he added.
What are the arguments for and against using taxpayer funds to support undocumented immigrants through this program?
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This program aims to assist undocumented immigrants who may not have access to other forms of financial support. Many undocumented immigrants live in fear of deportation and face significant barriers to employment, making it difficult for them to sustain themselves financially. Providing rental assistance and support for furnishing their homes can help alleviate some of the financial burdens they face and contribute to their overall well-being.
It is important to note that this program is supported by taxpayers’ money. Some may argue that this is an inappropriate use of public funds, as it provides assistance to individuals who are in the country illegally. However, proponents of the program argue that it is a compassionate and practical approach to addressing the needs of a vulnerable population.
By providing rental assistance, the program aims to reduce homelessness among undocumented immigrants. With the rising homeless population in Chicago, it is crucial to implement measures that can help individuals find stable housing. Stable housing not only improves the quality of life for undocumented immigrants but also benefits the community as a whole by reducing the strain on social services and public resources.
Additionally, the program recognizes that undocumented immigrants may already be contributing members of society. Many pay taxes, work in essential industries, and contribute to the local economy. Assisting them in securing stable housing and addressing the root causes of homelessness can lead to greater economic stability and integration.
Furthermore, providing rental assistance and support for furnishing living spaces acknowledges the dignity and humanity of undocumented immigrants. Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to live, regardless of their immigration status. This program sends a message that the city of Chicago values the well-being and inclusion of all its residents, regardless of their background.
Overall, Chicago’s new state-run program offers a lifeline to undocumented immigrants in need of housing and furnishing assistance. By providing financial support and addressing the unique challenges faced by this population, the program aims to improve the lives of undocumented immigrants and contribute to the well-being of the city as a whole. While opinions on the use of taxpayer funds may vary, this initiative reflects a commitment to compassion, practicality, and inclusivity.
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