Help advocate for federal funding to assist in sheltering migrants. There are two ways to take action now. First, use the script below to call your senators and congresspersons. Second, follow the action link to write a letter to your legislators reinforcing the message.

The Issues

The City of Chicago needs more funding for shelters housing new arrivals. Chicago’s severe weather necessitates that people be housed in brick and mortar shelters through the winter months. Chicago needs more federal support for this.

Chicago does not regularly receive federal funding to provide shelter to asylum seekers, unlike border cities. In early 2023, the federal government dispersed $800 million to bolster aid already going to border cities, but Chicago only received approximately $4-8 million, significantly less than is needed.

At the moment, for Venezuelans who comprise the bulk of new arrivals to Chicago, only those who arrived by July 31st or crossed the border with a CBP One appointment can immediately apply for work authorization. Otherwise, they must wait 150 days after submitting an asylum application which requires retaining an attorney.

Immigration court is backlogged for years. Immigration reform allowing more people to qualify for parole (a legal standing that allows people to live in the US without worry of deportation for up to 2 years while their case is pending) would reduce the number of hearings and check in appointments for both courts and ICE. This in turn would help reduce the processing times. Currently most migrants in Chicago do not have parole which theoretically places them at risk for deportation at any moment.

The Asks

1. Federal funding for shelters needs to be expanded to non-border cities.

2. Expanded work permit eligibility for all migrants, including Venezuelans who arrived after July 31, non-Venezuelans, and people who have been in the US for years.

3. Expanded qualifications for who is granted parole when entering the US.

We Need Your Help!

Together we can let Congress know that we need change!

1. Using the script below, call Senators Dick Durbin (202) 224-2152 and Tammy Duckworth (202) 224-2854.

2. Using this link, look up your House Representatives to call them as well.

3. Recruit 2 friends to make calls to amplify the impact!

The Script

Hi, My name is ___________, I am One of your constituents, and a supporter of (Chi Welcome, CCC33, etc), a grassroots mutual aid network that supports migrants. I’m calling to request that you advocate for the following 3 demands regarding immigration reform.

First, we need federal funding to support sheltering migrants in non border cities. The lack of funding on the federal level impacts the entire state of Illinois regardless of city due to the State of Illinois having to pick up the slack.

Second, we need federal expansion of work authorization for all migrants. People want to work. Allowing people the dignity of work rather than relying on charity or government funding is the only pathway to stability both for the individual and also for us as a state.

Lastly, we need expanded qualifications for who is granted parole at the border in order not to waste time in our already overloaded immigration court system with countless hearings.

While there are many people who would like to see Illinois struggle, we believe that your advocacy for these steps can lead to stability without compromising values and compassion.