The City of Chicago said on Friday that 34 individuals will be leaving migrant shelters in the city on Sunday, after being given extensions from their initially scheduled releases earlier this year.
“Our city is dedicated to showing kindness,” Mayor Brandon Johnson stated. “By promoting resettlement while also granting case-specific extensions with a focus on health and safety, we are working towards a path to stability and self-sufficiency.”
Chicago, one of the numerous cities in the U.S. providing temporary accommodation for a large number of migrants, has sheltered and subsequently released 14,700 individuals due to resettlement. Johnson’s announcement mentioned that more than 5,000 individuals have been reunited with relatives and friends in other states.
The individuals expected to be released on Sunday have been given specific extensions, including some for families and children. Migrants released from the shelters have the option to return to the “Landing Zone,” where they will be reprocessed and placed in a shelter again if there are available beds.
However, the city is having difficulty keeping up with the influx of migrants. Chicago has enforced extended shelter stays for many migrants after allocating more resources to its resettlement services and case management.
“While we recognize that Chicago’s limited resources cannot fully meet the extensive needs of the New Arrivals Mission,” his statement said. “We are continually exploring options that will result in better care for all Chicagoans.”
The city is one of several dealing with an influx of migrants after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) started sending buses and planes to Democratic cities to alleviate the impact of immigration on his border state.
Johnson has heavily criticized Abbott for the decision, calling it reckless to send thousands of migrants to the sanctuary cities across the United States. Local, state, and federal officials were given very little notice about Abbott’s busing program, and Johnson has stated that the Texas governor is creating disorder and confusion by sending more buses.
According to Johnson’s announcement, Chicago has introduced two additional considerations for migrants in shelters. Families with children staying in shelters will receive 30-day extensions, which may be renewed up to three times until June. Families who are eligible for asylum programs also have extension options.
“Today’s announcement means approximately 4,500 additional individuals with shelter departure dates initially planned for March, April, and May will have extension options,” the announcement stated.
Chicago also mandates that individuals staying in its facilities must be vaccinated for measles, mumps, and rubella after an outbreak. If residents become ill before their release date, they are also granted an extension due to a medical quarantine.
