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* WBEZ…
The City of Chicago and nonprofit organizations are mobilizing to provide temporary shelter and other services to dozens of migrants who arrived by bus Wednesday from Texas, according to city officials.
For weeks, there had been rumors that migrants arriving at the Texas border would be sent on charter buses to Chicago, as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s “Operation Lone Star” border security initiative. […]
The mayor’s office released a statement on Wednesday evening, saying about 60 migrants arrived in Chicago.
“Chicago is a welcoming city and as such has collaborated across various departments and agencies to ensure we greeted [the migrants] with dignity and respect,” the statement read.
* Sun Times…
The migrants, mostly from Venezuela, faced long, treacherous journeys trying to reach the United States. Some migrants said they traveled for nearly 30 days, others almost 40 days, to reach Texas, crossing jungles, deserts and small towns, meeting up with other migrants along the way.
“We crossed the jungle, Colombia, Panama, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico and then got here,” said Cesar Rodriguez, 21, adding that he originally wanted to go to New York but was told that they wouldn’t be able to send him there. So when they offered Chicago instead, he immediately accepted. […]
As city officials welcome incoming immigrants, various city agencies are working to provide social services in response to Abbott’s actions.
“We understand that many are fleeing violent, traumatic or otherwise unstable environments,” said a spokesperson from Lightfoot’s office. “We will respond with essential services while these individuals navigate the next steps of their journey, and our community partners have been working diligently to provide a safety net.”
* The Tribune reported 75 migrants were dropped off at Chicago’s Union Station…
”We are tired and hungry, like any other human being,” one said. “Can you help me?” he asked a Tribune reporter.
Many of the migrants waiting carried a clear plastic bag with their documents and small possessions. Few had cell phones and most had a piece of paper where they had written phone numbers of people who might be able to help them.
”We just want a place to sleep tonight,” said Jose Rios, 40, as other Venezuelan men surrounded him. They all met on their journey from Texas to Chicago, they said.
“We are so hungry but have no idea where to go or what to do,” said Rios, who left his three children and wife back in his native country. He said he migrated because the poverty in Venezuela is extreme. ”We just want to work now — have a dignified life,” he said.
Governor Greg Abbott today announced the arrival of the first group of migrants bused to Chicago, Illinois from Texas. The migrants were dropped off at Union Station tonight. In addition to Washington, D.C. and New York City, Chicago will now be a drop-off location for the busing strategy as part of the Governor’s response to President Biden’s open border policies overwhelming border communities in Texas.
“President Biden’s inaction at our southern border continues putting the lives of Texans—and Americans—at risk and is overwhelming our communities,” said Governor Abbott. “To continue providing much-needed relief to our small, overrun border towns, Chicago will join fellow sanctuary cities Washington, D.C. and New York City as an additional drop-off location. Mayor Lightfoot loves to tout the responsibility of her city to welcome all regardless of legal status, and I look forward to seeing this responsibility in action as these migrants receive resources from a sanctuary city with the capacity to serve them.”
In April, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to charter buses to transport migrants from Texas to Washington, D.C. Earlier this month, the Governor added New York City as second drop-off location. Since beginning this busing strategy in the spring, thousands of migrants have been transported to these sanctuary cities while providing much-needed relief to Texas’ overwhelmed border communities. With its “Welcoming City Ordinance” making it a sanctuary city, Chicago will not deny city services to individuals based on their immigration status. The city also does not require local police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
* Pritzker’s response via ABC…
Illinois’ Democratic chief executive took the unusual step of releasing a late-night statement pledging asylum seekers and migrants arriving Wednesday evening in Chicago will be treated safely and with respect.
“Illinois welcomes refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants and we are working with federal and city officials to ensure that these individuals are treated with respect and safety as they look to connect with their family and friends,” said Pritzker.
“My great-grandfather came to this country as an immigrant fleeing Ukraine in 1881. Immigrants just like my family seeking freedom and opportunity built this country,” Pritzker said.
“Illinois is and has always been a welcoming state,” he added.
* Twitter coverage…
First Texas bus of migrants has arrived in Chicago.
Biden's inaction at our border puts Texans at risk & is overwhelming our communities.
We'll continue bussing migrants to sanctuary cities like NYC, DC, & now Chicago until the federal gov't does its job & secures the border. pic.twitter.com/RccsdIOXiI
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 1, 2022
A 3 year-old shares a nectarine with her pregnant mother after nearly 12 hours of travel. pic.twitter.com/78eiwy9Lil
— Laura N. Rodríguez Presa (@LAURA_N_ROD) September 1, 2022
A group of people stand outside Union Station after arriving on a bus with approximately 60 other migrants from Texas Wednesday in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/9Gt0jwxEWt
— armando l sanchez (@mandophotos) September 1, 2022
In 2017, I was the lead sponsor of the Trust Act and we made Illinois a welcoming state for immigrants. In 2021, after I became Speaker of the House, we made the Trust Act stronger. Why? Because immigrants are welcome here, always! Los immigrantes son bienvenidos aqui!!! https://t.co/YrAykpinXm
— Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (@RepChrisWelch) September 1, 2022
Officials tell WBEZ most of the migrants come from Cuba, Venezuela & Nicaragua. Upon arrival, they will receive health screenings, emergency housing and resettlement help from city & state agencies and local nonprofits.
— Esther Yoon-Ji Kang (@estheryjkang) September 1, 2022
…Adding… Texas Tribune…
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and top state lawmakers shifted around roughly $1 billion in federal coronavirus aid to help pay for their campaign to arrest migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, exposing gaps in a law meant to bolster the country’s response to the ongoing pandemic.
Relying on the availability of generous federal relief funds, Texas repeatedly in recent months rerouted state money toward its controversial immigration crackdown — all without leaving a massive hole in its budget. But critics say the money would have been put to better use tending to a public health crisis that has killed more than 86,000 people in the state.
posted by Isabel Miller
Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:13 am
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This is one of those things I hate and love at the same time. Hate that Abbott is using these human beings as political pawns, but love that they are being greeted with dignity and help in our state. I hope this backfires on Abbott big time.
Comment by Tony DeKalb Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:16 am
===“We understand that many are fleeing violent, traumatic or otherwise unstable environments,” said a spokesperson from Lightfoot’s office.===
That’s some major shade at Texas.
Comment by Save Ferris Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:23 am
I think I’m pretty typical of Democrats. I don’t want to see open borders and recognize the need for immigration reform and trying to address some of the root causes of the immigration. I don’t like the Texas governor using people who barely surviving for a political stunt. I also welcome the people bused to Chicago with open arms and am proud of our City and State for treating them with humanity rather than demonizing them.
I am getting really sick of the Republicans characterizing people as evil. The Governor’s statement talked about the immigrants putting lives as risk. Really shameful fear mongering.
Comment by City Guy Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:23 am
Is there no bottom for these people?
Comment by So_Ill Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:24 am
I’m glad to see they are being welcomed here.
Thanks to the governor of Texas for increasing the population of Illinois.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:25 am
Won’t this moot the argument that people are fleeing Illinois? /s ?
Comment by Vote Quimby Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:26 am
==That’s some major shade at Texas.==
I enjoyed this immensely (banned punctuation)
Comment by Vote Quimby Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:27 am
What’s missing here is a call to give migrants a work permit to be productive additions to America during their time here.
Comment by Blake Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:32 am
A pointless stunt. Integrating 60 migrants into Chicago won’t put any appreciable additional strain on Illinois’ systems, so Abbott won’t even get to do the one thing he cares about, “own the libs”.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:34 am
===give migrants a work permit to be productive additions===
… yet there are still companies curtailing things like that to have migrant workers.
To the post,
Governor Abbott,
City of Broad Shoulders, my friend. Built by immigrants. Look it up.
See you in church.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:35 am
The Venezuelan migrants were forced to leave their country, which has the world’s largest oil reserves, because their economy has shrunk by 2/3 since 2014 under the socialist rule of Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez.
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/venezuela-crisis
Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:35 am
I was going to make a snarky comment about @GregAbbott_TX claim that they were overwhelmed by 75 Venezuelans, but then remembered that Texas couldn’t manage to hold onto The Alamo either, maybe Texas really can’t do much of anything right.
But you gotta wonder how Texans feel about the Governor’s decision to spend $1 billion bussing migrants instead of helping them.
Comment by Thomas Paine Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:36 am
This feels like a negative partisanship backfire for Abbott. He’s obviously doing this to “troll the libs” or whatever, but these folks will be better off in Chicago and Chicago will be better for having them.
For the migrants, The asylum process will be easier for them outside of the heavily crowded Texas districts. There are more aid resources available, and they’ll generally be faced with less outright hostility.
And in the meantime, Chicago stands to gain residents who have already proven themselves brave and hard working. Republicans have been crowing about population loss that didn’t really happen, but growth has been relatively stagnant. The globally recognized solution to stagnating population growth is more immigration.
Migrants from Texas are welcome. The Texas export we shouldn’t accept is complaints about not being able to hire anyone.
Comment by vern Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:37 am
Perhaps we should send some folks from ComED who know how to design and operate a power grid that can handle freezing temps to Texas?
What a freaking tool
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:38 am
There was a time, not very long ago, when Republicans would welcome people fleeing authoritarian nations. I wonder what happened to that party.
Comment by cover Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:40 am
==Lucky==
You are absolutely right, it’s a horribly oppressive regime in Venezuela. The folks coming seem to have a legitimate claim to asylum. That said, do you agree with how Gov Abbott treated them when they crossed the border?
Comment by supplied_demand Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:42 am
- Lucky Pierre - supporting Hugo Chavez is on brand for a Trumpkin.
===Under Chávez, Venezuela experienced democratic backsliding, as he suppressed the press, manipulated electoral laws, and arrested and exiled government critics.[24][25][26] His use of enabling acts[27] and his government’s use of propaganda were controversial.[28][29][30][31] Chávez’s presidency saw significant increases in the country’s murder rate[32][33] and continued corruption within the police force and government.===
- LP - doing - LP - things.
On brand.
Welcome to these folks, they are better here.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:42 am
==The Venezuelan migrants were forced to leave their country, which has the world’s largest oil reserves, because their economy has shrunk by 2/3 since 2014 under the socialist rule of Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez.==
Odd, then, that Abbott doesn’t want to demonstrate how they can have a better life under conservative capitalism.
But then I read your link and it starts to make sense. Quoting from the very article you linked (but probably didn’t read):
“Venezuela, home to the world’s largest oil reserves, is a case study in the perils of becoming a petrostate. Since it was discovered in the country in the 1920s, oil has taken Venezuela on an exhilarating but dangerous boom-and-bust ride that offers lessons for other resource-rich states. Decades of poor governance have driven what was once one of Latin America’s most prosperous countries to economic and political ruin.”
This doesn’t mention “socialism” at all, but I understand that you’re a pants-wetting paranoiac who sees socialists everywhere.
What it *does* mention is some…striking parallels to Texas.
“Venezuela is an example of a petrostate, where the government is highly dependent on fossil fuel income, power is concentrated, and corruption is widespread.”
Texas, too, is highly dependent on oil. Power is so centralized that 60 people can be bused to another state at the Governor’s say so. And the corruption in Texas has been the subject of *many* very good books.
So maybe Abbott was just like, “Well, if they couldn’t make it in Venezuela, we’re not much better.” Maybe he really was doing them a favor, lol.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:44 am
Dems get their media hit and Twitter support. I’m sure they’ll follow up in three months to see how this transition is going.
What Abbot is doing is insane, but bringing out the red carpet for 70 individuals who are not American citizens compared to the issues this city is facing doesn’t make much sense.
This sums up the current state of both parties. Republicans showing hate and Dems thinking they are winning because they are the latest trend in their Twitter algorithm.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:45 am
Republican Christianity on full display. Is this what Jesus would do, ILGOP?
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:46 am
This is a horrible look for the state of Texas. This has sadly been done before in the southern civil rights battles in the 60s. To do something like that again….what is wrong here? https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2020/02/29/809740346/the-cruel-story-behind-the-reverse-freedom-rides
Comment by DTownResident Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:46 am
LP, that’s true but I’m curious about the conclusions you draw from it. I agree with the others that it gives them a legitimated claim of asylum and they should be welcome here.
Is that what you meant as well?
Comment by vern Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:46 am
Can we bus some of the eastern block folks to Texas? I mean, they want out of Illinois anyway. Be more than happy to swap them in equal or greater numbers for the people he is sending us.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:47 am
Gov. Abbott is actually a humanitarian, ensuring that the refugees have access to water. /s
https://tinyurl.com/2p937r7d
Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:48 am
Respectfully, Governor Abbott
Comment by Commissar Gritty Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:49 am
===but bringing out the red carpet===
When was the last time a ride on a CTA bus and a trip to a homeless shelter was considered red carpet treatment?
Remind me not to have you plan my next cookout.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:49 am
Huh, half my comment got shaved off? Maybe it doesn’t like ’s
It just said
(Remainder of comment redacted due to violating Rich’s policies on obscenities)
Comment by Commissar Gritty Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:50 am
===See you in church.===
“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
A lot of people call themselves Christians. Not all of them act like Christians. Proud to be an Illinoisan today.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:50 am
Love the evil Republican responses from the elites of the other party here.
I spent some time in Texas this summer. There is another side to the story. The chaos near the border towns temporarily absorbing all of these poor people has not been highlighted enough.
Rather than solving this humanitarian issue, both political parties are playing games with those folks. Governor Abbott is actually doing those handfuls of individuals being bussed to sanctuary cities a huge favor from Texas while he points at members of the Democratic Party who play the NIMBY game in their own backyards.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:50 am
The migrants who crossed the border illegally and got on the bus to Chicago did so under their own free will.
Governor Abbott did not force any one to go anywhere, but his stunt did shine a light on the record border crossings this year and created a panic among other mayors in DC, New York and elsewhere who are have sanctuary cities.
The Federal Government is responsible for border enforcement and processing the migrants.
Republicans are the party dominated by socialists?
Log off your computer immediately and go take a walk outside
Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:51 am
LP
Thanks for the background but I don’t think you’re accomplishing what you think you’re accomplishing here. But that doesn’t surprise me.
Governor Abbott said to those poor people seeking help from an oppressive state “sorry, you’re not welcome here.” Well in Illinois we welcome them with open arms. Shows you what the character of Abbott is.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:52 am
Ok so it really doesn’t like the symbols, they deleted from the follow up comment as well. Coding thing, maybe?
The symbols, if you’re curious, were the greater than & less than signs. I was using them as brackets.
Comment by Commissar Gritty Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:53 am
As @ Grandson of Man stated, GOP Christianity on full display. Meanwhile, here in Chicago we are following the golden rule and taking care of the “least of his brothers” (Matthew 25:40 I think).
I love that Illinois can help put a smile on these folks faces and show them what America is really about.
Darren Bailey…anything to say on this? Has YOUR church stepped up?
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:54 am
“Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
‘Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!’ cries she
With silent lips. ‘Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’”
Welcome to Chicago and Illinois!
Comment by Kippax Blue Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:54 am
No I don’t agree that 28 million Venezuelan citizens have the right to asylum in the United States.
https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/venezuela-population/
Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:54 am
==bringing out the red carpet for 70 individuals==
Are you Native American? I know Greg Abbott isn’t.
Comment by Jocko Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:57 am
==Dems thinking they are winning because they are the latest trend in their Twitter algorithm. ==
I think you’ve gotten which party is suffering from Terminally Online Brain exactly backwards.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:00 am
===who play the NIMBY game in their own backyards. ===
lol
Last I checked, the state and city accommodated them.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:00 am
Here’s hoping the federal dollars appropriated to take care of these people are diverted away from Texas to the places that actually care.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:00 am
===No I don’t agree that 28 million Venezuelan citizens have the right to asylum in the United States.===
No one asked you to. You know that already.
But, here’s the thing…
If you are complaining about Chávez, you are complaining about the issues of Venezuela, and still can’t see the need to grant asylum…
… then what exactly is your idea of actual humanity?
Which is why my only conclusion has to be you supported Chávez.
The Statue of Liberty isn’t a symbol for you, it’s a joke to those who see it as it was meant to be.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:01 am
==I think you’ve gotten which party is suffering from Terminally Online Brain exactly backwards. ==
To expand on this, whether the 60 migrants are in Texas or Illinois isn’t going to make a huge difference to either state. Abbott is just doing this to get some RTs from those weird nerds on Election Twitter.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:02 am
===Love the evil Republican responses from the elites of the other party here.===
Then - Louis G Atsaves -, you should be as welcoming as anyone for these folks, amirite?
Counselor, all your words, I didn’t read “I’m glad they are here”
Why is that?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:03 am
The Meter’s welcome these immigrants to Illinois. Texas loss is Illinois gain.
Comment by Bob Meter Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:06 am
The picture of the three year eating the Nectarine old breaks your heart. I have a three year old granddaughter and I know how she sees the world. I’m glad she made it to our country and our state. I wish her a happy life. When you see the faces and realize that a despicable politician like Abbott sees them as nothing more than pawns you just gotta pray.
Comment by Stormsw7706 Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:06 am
Louis, is there a MAGA GOP travel agency booking tours to the border? Do they give you a plastic border militia badge?
I feel sorry for the Texas taxpayers footing the bill for Abbott’s political stunt.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:07 am
I at least hope we are impounding the buses. To cover some of the expenses.
Comment by a drop in Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:07 am
Help Wanted signs everywhere. They lucked out coming to Illinois right now. On brand for us historically too
Comment by walker Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:07 am
==No I don’t agree that 28 million Venezuelan citizens have the right to asylum in the United States.==
We are talking about 75. But it doesn’t surprise me that a person like you would be against allowing people like this in since your party is full of xenophobes and nationalists.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:08 am
What’s Abbott’s next publicity stunt? Rolling back the onerous ADA requirements that are destroying small businesses?
Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:08 am
Millionaires out and “dreamers” in. Good old Illinois. Politicians will run out of people to tax eventually when they are done congratulating themselves on their hospitality.
Comment by In and out Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:08 am
=bringing out the red carpet for 70 individuals=
I wouldn’t call treating asylum seeking humans with dignity as bringing out the red carpet but whatevs. And there’s no reason why the city can’t act in a humanitarian way while also addressing its own issues.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:09 am
I remember - Louis G Atsaves - arguing for this *NEED* to open churches during the pandemic, how critical it was, how spreading out at his church was easily available, a need to worship…
I then read what - Louis G Atsaves - wrote here.
Churches are open now, will *you* welcome these folks?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:10 am
Hey, LP, if you don’t think the Venezuelans deserve asylum, how about those Cubans that were on the bus, too?
All snark aside, this is a pointless and money-wasting stunt for Abbott and a small gain for Chicago.
Comment by Benjamin Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:11 am
Good. It is good that asylum seekers and immigrants coming to the United States of America, come to places like Illinois. Here, they will learn that Americans are good and generous people, who understand that historic yearning to breathe free. In Texas, they might only learn that Americas are bigots and mean.
One of my grandfathers (Wendt) came to the United States in 1913 from Prussia. After arriving without papers at Ellis Island, he was allowed to travel to Chicago to find his brother-in-law. He wanted to establish himself in the U.S. in order to bring his wife and two children here. He was undocumented, but still allowed to migrate.
Shame on Texas. God Bless Illinois.
Comment by H-W Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:11 am
This seems to make a huge mess bureaucratically and logistically in adjudicating the asylum claims. If you apply for asylum in Texas then move to Illinois, I think USCIS has to transfer the application to the Illinois district. Texas cannot lawfully force anyone to move to Illinois. Texas can basically bluff and cajole vulnerable people into getting on a bus, which it seems like that what they’re doing.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:13 am
OW - “Welcome to these folks, they are better here.”
And so are we.
Comment by Springfieldish Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:15 am
We had millions of deaths and retirements. The workforce shrank. The “where’s my Big Mac! No one wants to work anymore” crowd seems to miss an opportunity here. Also seems like none of these folks are bummed they don’t get to stay in Texas where the utilities don’t work if it’s too hot or too cold.
Comment by Nuke the Whales Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:15 am
Considering all the open jobs in the Chicago region, you’d think that the ILGOP would be welcoming these immigrants with open arms.
Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:16 am
Gov. Abbott’s compassionate conservatism on display at its finest. /s
Comment by Steve Rogers Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:20 am
Have to give it to Republicans. Christianity is under attack. They’re the ones doing it.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:27 am
ILGOP-be sure to thank Abbott for adding to, what will probably be, more Dem voters.
Comment by Flying Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:27 am
Chicago welcomes immigrants and refugees all the time, not just when Abbott uses people’s lives as a political stunt.
Comment by ChicagoVinny Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:29 am
“Come and show me another city with lifted head singing so proud to be alive and coarse and strong and cunning.
Flinging magnetic curses amid the toil of piling job on job, here is a tall bold slugger set vivid against the little soft cities;”
Chicago BY CARL SANDBURG
Comment by Bigtwich Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:30 am
Are there any places we can donate/volunteer to support the migrants?
Comment by How can we help? Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:33 am
= Are there any places we can donate/volunteer to support the migrants? =
I donate to RefugeeOne
Comment by ChicagoVinny Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:34 am
Many of the folks arriving are ready to work. Like the NY governor said we need to move quickly to provide temporary SSN authorized for work into these folks hands. We have robust immigrant resettlement agencies in the area and I know they will be effectively used.
Comment by illinifan Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:34 am
==This seems to make a huge mess bureaucratically and logistically in adjudicating the asylum claims.==
Although it needn’t be. But our immigration system is one place where the Republican claims about big government bureaucracy are absolutely correct. It’s just also the place where they want to do the least about it.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:37 am
Interesting trade; we send elderly tax resisters south to Texas and they send young, willing workers north to us. Seems like a good deal. What’s the angle?
Comment by Dysfunction Junction Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:38 am
Imagine if that money had been spent on Dallas flood relief. Power grid failures in the winter, extreme high temperatures in the summer, school shootings, but this is what Abbott prioritizes. I hope he noticed Sarah Palin lost yesterday.
Comment by Big Dipper Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:40 am
I’m glad the migrants are here. They’re better off in a state whose governor has a soul.
Comment by Crispy Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:45 am
— But you gotta wonder how Texans feel about the Governor’s decision to spend $1 billion bussing migrants instead of helping them—
In the pursuit of MAGA applause, the value of cruelty has no price.
Comment by King Louis XVI Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:47 am
Just to share the opportunity to help others, the Chicago bound buses in the future should stop in Springfield on the way, so that Springfield can welcome them to the city.
Comment by Unstable Genius Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:50 am
I’m sorry, I will apologize for my earlier statement. Texas actually lost in this deal. We gained a few dozen people brave enough to come to a new country to start a new life, and instead we sent them Allen Skillicorn cosplaying as a border patrol agent.
Sorry Texas
Comment by Commissar Gritty Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:53 am
If any of these immigrants have manufacturing skillsets or the aptitude to learn these trades, we could use them in Central Illinois. I’ve got companies all over my region that are starving for welding/CNC talent.
Comment by sulla Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 10:58 am
RefugeeOne is great. One of our local churches adopts families through RO. They set them up with in an apartment with donations of all basic necessities from the community. They then them find work (typically entirely unrelated from their trained professions), navigate American culture, and stabilize. When they have completed one transition, they adopt another family.
Comment by Politix Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 11:03 am
I don’t think we can predict which party this will benefit. Illinifan makes a good point about the NY Governor, getting them into market-created jobs will be key. There’s a lot of desire for new persons to be productive and for the process to be more orderly than the image independents will get when they hear about 28 million Venezuelans.
Comment by Blake Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 11:03 am
-Sulla- Agreed, we need them in NW Illinois also. Heck, we need workers period, no specialized skills needed. Send them here!
Comment by Westender Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 11:15 am
=The picture of the three year eating the Nectarine old breaks your heart.=
According to the Tribune article, the bag of nectarines was given to them by a Chicago Police officer. Think of the goodwill that officer engendered in a vulnerable population with just that simple, inexpensive gesture. Goodwill toward police, the city, and a new country. A similar thing happened when my orphaned, vulnerable grandfather arrived from eastern Europe in 1903. He talked about it for the next 82 years.
Comment by Dysfunction Junction Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 11:28 am
CPS needs more English Language Learners? That will increase numbers and improve government schools in Chicago?
Comment by Steve Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 11:31 am
Willing workers ?
lol In my area of Illinois
Lots of panhandlers
Lots of help wanted signs.
Comment by Too funny Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 11:37 am
=Lots of panhandlers=
Any of them Venezuelan immigrants?
Comment by Dysfunction Junction Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 11:50 am
“Give me your tired, your poor, and your huddled masses…”
Proud that Chicago could welcome these people.
Comment by ChrisB Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 11:52 am
Gee, sorry folks. I need to burst a few bubbles here. I’m pro immigration although many of your comments falsely imply otherwise. My NIMBY comments referred to NYC and a few other locations that are bellyaching. Not Illinois.
And yes, I’ve seen it first hand in the Lone Star State. No badge necessary. Not something our country should be proud of, whether you are pro or anti-immigration, illegal or legal.
Hope this clarifies matter for my fan club here.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 11:53 am
===I need to burst a few bubbles here===
Why do you think? Ah…
===My NIMBY comments referred to NYC and a few other locations that are bellyaching. Not Illinois.===
You can’t just be happy Illinois isn’t a place like the others, ya gotta make it partisan. Like this…
===Love the evil Republican responses from the elites of the other party here.===
I don’t think it “gee” to others, but it is …
“Gee, why the need to walk around the partisan barn? Isn’t easier to say a Republican is wrong?
Can’t do that, I guess?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 12:00 pm
Saw the thread related to this on r/chicago today. Almost universal positive responses. Personally I’m very pro-immigration, so I say the more the merrier.
Get them some kind of legal status and let them start working for the 15/hour jobs available in the city.
Comment by Homebody Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 12:06 pm
“[Republicans] welcome people fleeing authoritarian nations.” Well, if you recall it wasn’t authoritarian regimes we welcomed them from, it was Communist countries.
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 12:22 pm
@Thomas Paine
=== I was going to make a snarky comment about @GregAbbott_TX claim that they were overwhelmed by 75 Venezuelans====
Say what you will about this policy, but I can’t tell if you’re purposefully being dense or not? Border states/towns are experiencing record numbers of migrants, there have been over a million border crossings just since the start of this year. Which understandably sounds overwhelming. And surely you don’t think Abbott’s just sending this one busload? This is just the first. DC’s mayor requested the national guard to handle the 6500 Texas has sent them since they started doing this a few months ago.
Comment by Due Consideration Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 12:24 pm
=I’m pro immigration although many of your comments falsely imply otherwise.=
Well when you use broadly characterize those with a differing view as “elites” you can see why we might be confused about your views. And not everyone that comments here is a member of the other party.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 12:32 pm
===And surely you don’t think Abbott’s just sending this one busload?===
Explaining to voters without water, electricity, that money, even federal dollars, on buses for this versus helping Texans, you think this is good political policy
Abbott already has these voters.
How’s that elimination of rape going in Texas? All gone? Abortion might be a factor… but find that cash for buses?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 12:34 pm
- Pundent -
Remember, - Louis G Atsaves - needs to be a victim and disparage first, it appears he forgot to clarity he agreed with the riff-raff
:)
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 12:36 pm
==Hope this clarifies matter for my fan club here. ==
Maybe next time you can just write what you actually think rather than the anti-anti-Republican-triple-ironic-both-sides-bank-shots that you so constantly brick on.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 1:02 pm
Why are people **arguing** about anything on this issue? If you never matured since sophomore year in HS, why demonstrate that here?
My mom has been hearing about this since Tuesday. Instead of finding someone to argue with, today she left before 7 am & is helping to talk with the asylum seekers, as the City determines the next steps for a family or an individual.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon.
Comment by Chris in ChiTown Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 1:07 pm
“But you gotta wonder how Texans feel about the Governor’s decision to spend $1 billion bussing migrants instead of helping them”
That’s a lot of bus tickets.
Comment by CapnCrunch Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 1:19 pm
Just as soon as they get their CDL I bet Bailey will be looking to hire for $16 per hour for his “family” farm.
Comment by MoralMinority Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 1:36 pm
“Texas governor gives Chicago an opportunity to welcome illegal immigrants”. Fixed that headline for you. Nobody got “expelled”.
Comment by Captain Obvious Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 1:37 pm
Welcome to Illinois, the state tow which my grandparents were also immigrants who came to seek a better life, too. Time for all of us immigrant grandchildren to pay it forward. This makes me proud to say that I’m from Illinois and fills my heart with joy.
Comment by SouthSide Markie Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 1:57 pm
These illegal immigrants are not being shipped to Chicago, they are asked if they want to go to Chicago and if so sign a release (in their dominant language) stating they want to board a bus and go to Chicago. No one is forced to go anywhere.
Comment by Say What? Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 1:58 pm
=Just as soon as they get their CDL I bet Bailey will be looking to hire for $16 per hour for his “family” farm.=
If only Bailey knew a pol with experience fast-tracking CDLs for immigrants. Wait, didn’t we just see a picture of Beetle and George chatting in a recent CapFax quote contest?
Comment by Dysfunction Junction Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 2:03 pm
—-The migrants who crossed the border illegally and got on the bus to Chicago did so under their own free will.
If they are seeking asylum as most from Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are, they are not crossing illegally. They are presenting themselves as political refugees consistent with US law. Stop calling them illegal immigrants as they are asylum seekers.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 2:14 pm
People are not illegal.
Comment by Big Dipper Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 2:24 pm
And what do pols like Abbott believe our responsibility is to migrants coming to America from Latin American countries - nothing? That would be entirely ignoring our role in destabilizing many of these countries over the past several decades, which of course has led to the poor conditions many of these people are fleeing.
But why bother taking responsibility for what our country has done to other countries?
Comment by Techie Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 2:26 pm
“Abbott’s Reverse Freedom Ride.”
Catchy. (snaaaaaaaaaark)
You think he will realize that those people he is sending to Illinois will remember who didn’t want them in their state?
Good chance that once they become citizens they might remember what political party Abbott represents.
Comment by btowntruth from forgottonia Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 2:30 pm
== People are not illegal. ==
Of course not. But they sometimes do illegal things. An immigrant who breaks the law to cross our border is not an illegal person. But they are an illegal immigrant, because they broke the law to get here.
Comment by Occasional Quipper Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 2:36 pm
====f course not. But they sometimes do illegal things. An immigrant who breaks the law to cross our border is not an illegal person. But they are an illegal immigrant, because they broke the law to get here.
Not if they seek asylum as these people being sent to Chicago likely are. Presenting themselves at a port of entry as an asylum seeker is entirely legal. Just because they are not as white as some would like does not make them illegal.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 2:46 pm
Keep up with times. We don’t say the disabled anymore, we now say people with disabilities. We don’t say the homeless anymore, we now say people who are experiencing homelessness. These aren’t Archie Bunker days anymore.
Comment by Big Dipper Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 2:47 pm
== Presenting themselves at a port of entry as an asylum seeker is entirely legal. ==
Absolutely, and I’m all for that. But if you skip the port of entry and cross the border at an uncontrolled point, that is illegal.
Comment by Occasional Quipper Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 2:57 pm
==== But if you skip the port of entry and cross the border at an uncontrolled point, that is illegal.
No, you may apply for asylum as long as you are physically present in the United States and have not been here longer than one year. Read the law.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 3:04 pm
My point about the port of entry is that no one has established that the individuals have not been established to have not done that even and even if they did not, if they claimed asylum in another way that is consistent with the law. It’s just that people do not understand the law.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 3:09 pm
Forget the Politics. No matter what side of the aisle you are on, what kind of human being does this sort of thing to another human being? Utterly despicable.
Comment by Groucho Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 3:11 pm
== No, you may apply for asylum as long as you are physically present in the United States and have not been here longer than one year. Read the law.==
That law says if you broke the law to enter the country here’s a work-around so you can maybe stay. It doesn’t change the fact that an immigration law was initially broken to get here.
Comment by Occasional Quipper Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 3:12 pm
Too bad there isn’t better coverage as to which not-for-profit organizations are are working to help these migrants. I’m sure such organization could use some help and donations.
Comment by Cricket Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 3:17 pm
===That law says if you broke the law to enter the country here’s a work-around so you can maybe stay
Which means you are legally in the country.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 3:18 pm
== Which means you are legally in the country. ==
No, it doesn’t. They are here illegally until such time as their application for asylum is approved. They may have postponed being prosecuted for initially violating the immigration laws, but they are still not here legally.
Comment by Occasional Quipper Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 3:26 pm
=And what do pols like Abbott believe our responsibility is to migrants coming to America from Latin American countries - nothing?=
It’s complicated. He’s a self-avowed Christian, specifically a Catholic (sorry - I meant to say person with Catholicism). So one would assume he’s committed to welcoming the stranger, feeding the hungry, etc. The article below explains how he has reconciled differences between his faith and his political party’s policy on refugees.
https://www.texastribune.org/2015/12/10/abbott-balancing-act-religion-and-politics/
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 3:27 pm
https://theweek.com/greg-abbott/1016341/texas-has-spent-127-million-or-1400-per-passenger-busing-migrants-to-new-york
Comment by very old soil Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 3:33 pm
Arghh. Anonymous at 3:27 was me. And I meant to say “person experiencing Catholicism.” English used to be so much simpler in the Archie Bunker days.
Comment by Dysfunction Junction Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 3:33 pm
Well
Whatever else these people are gonna need good winter coats.
Comment by Nick Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 3:49 pm
People don’t use Catholicism to diminish and marginalize people. Get out of the road if you can’t lend a hand.
Comment by Big Dipper Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 4:04 pm
Gotta wonder if Abbott would do the same to a group of Ukrainian refugees and if Bailey’s response would be the same.
Comment by Chito Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 6:59 pm
Does anyone know by what authority Abbott has to force these people in a bus? This obviously is a detention, so where is their due process? Have they consented to being bussed up here?
Comment by Tominchicago Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 7:00 pm
TominChicago, Say What? At 1:58pm said they consented to being bussed to Chicago
Comment by Blake Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 7:35 pm
==We don’t say the homeless anymore, we now say people who are experiencing homelessness==
HUGE difference there. Like totally super huge. Wow. LOL.
Comment by Make It Make Sense Thursday, Sep 1, 22 @ 9:43 pm
===No, it doesn’t. They are here illegally until such time as their application for asylum is approved. They may have postponed being prosecuted for initially violating the immigration laws, but they are still not here legally.===
Nope. Once they submit Form589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal, issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), they are legal unless their asylum request is denied in court.
Comment by Da big bad wolf Friday, Sep 2, 22 @ 8:21 am