Chicago is set to proceed on Sunday with its previously postponed initiative to remove thousands of migrants from shelters operated by the city and state, a move that has sparked outrage among advocates and some local officials, and left migrants confused about their housing options.
Shelter Eviction for Migrants
City authorities announced on Friday that a total of 2,026 individuals will be evicted from their current shelters by the end of April, with the first group of 35 required to vacate on Sunday.
By the month's end, 244 migrants will have been evicted, while the remaining 1,782 will depart throughout April.
This mass eviction comes after the city's announcement in November to cap shelter stays at 60 days, necessitating migrants who reach this limit to secure alternative housing or return to the city's "landing zone" for new arrivals to request placement at another shelter.
The implementation of this policy was delayed three times due to severe winter conditions, staffing issues, and pushback from advocates and certain officials.
As of Friday, there were 11,210 individuals residing in 23 active shelters operated by the city and state, with over 37,100 new migrants arriving since 2022, many as part of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to bolster border security.
This influx has strained social services and intensified the demand for housing in Chicago, as well as other cities like Denver and New York.
Exemptions on the Eviction of Migrants
Mayor Brandon Johnson's office announced on Friday that approximately 4,500 individuals, who would have been subject to the initial wave of evictions, will qualify for exemptions granting them additional 30-day stays in shelters, potentially extending to the end of June.
Exemptions will be granted to families with children under 18, those actively seeking housing, and individuals with specific medical conditions, including those in quarantine due to a recent measles outbreak.
These exemptions aim to minimize disruption, especially for families with children during the school year.
However, some individuals assisting migrants have criticized the lack of transparency in the eviction process and argue that the exemptions offer little clarity or reassurance.
They express concerns about migrants' anxieties and uncertainties regarding their housing situation, especially considering the chaotic process of re-entering the shelter system through the landing zone.
The city plans to provide notices to evicted migrants reminding them of their exit dates and directing them to the landing zone, where staff will assist with re-entry into the shelter system if beds are available.
However, if beds are not immediately accessible, migrants will be supported in connecting with family and friends while awaiting placement.
Since the beginning of the migrant crisis, 14,700 people in the Chicago area have left shelters due to resettlement, and another 5,200 have reunited with family and friends.
Concerns have been raised by local elected officials and organizations, persuading the mayor to reconsider the 60-day shelter stay policy and adopt a more flexible, case-by-case approach.
Mandatory Vaccinations for Migrants in Shelters
Furthermore, the latest measles outbreak connected to a migrant shelter in Pilsen has prompted the city to impose vaccination requirements for all residents in city-operated shelters.
The Department of Public Health has vaccinated around 900 individuals and confirmed immunity for others, emphasizing containment of the outbreak as a top priority.
Overall, while efforts are being made to address immediate concerns such as the measles outbreak and provide exemptions for vulnerable populations, challenges remain in ensuring clarity, transparency, and effective housing solutions for migrants within the shelter system.
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