Chicago Migrants return to Venezuela as Winter Approaches: ‘There’s nothing for us here’

Introduction

The situation in Chicago with Venezuelan migrants returning home ahead of winter is attributed to a lack of resources to house and support illegal immigrants. City officials reported that since August 2022, Chicago had received more than 19,000 migrants. Buses packed with Venezuelan migrants are now arriving in downtown Chicago day and night, doubling in number in recent weeks. Concerns are rising among volunteers and leaders about the impending cold winter exacerbating the challenges faced by the migrants.

Many migrants are requesting tickets to other cities or even other countries to avoid sleeping on the streets during the winter. The situation in Chicago has become increasingly difficult for migrants, with many grappling with homelessness and a lack of job opportunities. Consequently, some migrants are opting to return to Venezuela and other impoverished nations after spending only a few weeks in Chicago.

Personal Stories of Venezuelan Migrants Leaving Chicago

SHOCKING REPORT: Migrants Return to Venezuela Due to Unpleasant Conditions in Chicago Shelters and Job Shortages..

SO far, Over 20,700 Have Already Bused to Democratic 'Sanctuary City.'

Illinois' harsh winters, lack of migrant infrastructure, and ambivalent support from locals… pic.twitter.com/2CRGtP6czw

— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) November 12, 2023

Departures from 1st District Station:

• At least 40 people, including a family of five, have left Chicago from the 1st District station on the Near South Side with the assistance of Catholic Charities of Chicago.

Individual Stories:

• One man returned to Texas, planning to join his cousins after attempting to establish himself in Chicago.

Venezuelan Migrants Seeking Opportunities:

• Many Venezuelan refugees have independently come to Chicago, driven by a quest for safety and job opportunities.

Challenges Faced by Migrants:

• Some migrants, including Venezuelans, have encountered difficulties in finding work and accessing sufficient food resources in Chicago.

Pilot Program for Expedited Work Permits:

• A newly launched pilot program in Chicago aims to address the challenges faced by migrants.

Migrants who arrived in the U.S. before July 31 are eligible for expedited work permits, with the hope of facilitating quicker transitions out of shelters.

Reasons for Venezuelan Migrants Leaving Chicago

Lack of Resources and Support:

• The primary reason for Venezuelan migrants leaving Chicago is a lack of resources to house and support illegal immigrants.

Homelessness and Job Opportunities:

• Migrants are departing due to the challenges they face, including struggling with homelessness and encountering a lack of job opportunities.

Search for Better Conditions:

• Some migrants are leaving Chicago in search of warmer weather, more resources, or to reunite with friends and family in other places.

Winter Concerns:

• The imminent harsh winter in Chicago is prompting many migrants to request tickets to other cities or countries to avoid sleeping on the streets during the winter.

Return to Home Countries:

• A significant number of migrants are opting to return to Venezuela and other impoverished nations after spending only a few weeks in Chicago.

Increasing Difficulty for Migrants:

• The overall situation in Chicago has become increasingly difficult for migrants, amplifying challenges related to homelessness and a lack of job opportunities.

Migrant Influx and Homelessness Statistics:

• City officials reported that Chicago received more than 19,000 migrants since August 2022.
• Over 68,000 Chicago citizens are currently experiencing homelessness.

Debate on Sanctuary City Status:

• The growing migrant crisis has led local leaders to debate Chicago’s status as a “sanctuary city” for migrants.

City officials struggling to open more shelters

Struggle to Open More Shelters:

• Chicago officials are facing challenges in opening additional shelters for migrants and homeless individuals as the city prepares for its cold winter.

Temporary Shelters and Asset Vetting:

• Temporary shelters have been set up to address the immediate needs of individuals and families with children entering the city.
• The Department of Family and Support Services and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications are evaluating City-owned assets for potential use as temporary emergency shelters.

Concerns About Worsening Situation:

• Volunteers and leaders express concerns that the situation will worsen as winter approaches.

$29 Million Contract for Winterized Tents:

• Chicago leaders signed a $29 million contract to provide winterized tents for sheltering migrants.

Migrant Tent Camp Plans:

• Plans supported by the city council’s housing committee involve building a migrant tent camp.

Legal Challenges to Shelters:

• Community groups and neighbors are taking legal action against the mayor and city officials to block the opening of migrant shelters.
• Concerns cited include bypassing zoning laws and lack of community input.

Sanctuary City Status and Financial Impact:

• Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city doesn’t mandate encouraging immigrants to move to the city.
• The Welcoming City ordinance does not obligate officials to use taxpayer funds for immigrant care.
• Despite challenges, taxpayers are projected to bear a $361 million cost for migrant care by year-end, per mayor’s office.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the situation in Chicago with Venezuelan migrants returning home ahead of winter underscores the urgency for a comprehensive approach to immigration policies. Struggling to open more shelters, officials fear worsening conditions with the approaching cold. Many migrants seek refuge elsewhere to avoid winter homelessness, highlighting the city’s challenges. Despite difficulties, Chicagoans are welcoming, with groups like the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance providing essential support, emphasizing the crucial need for a holistic immigration strategy.