Statement on Chicago City Council Support for Migrants
On May 31, Chicago’s City Council members approved funding for supportive services for migrants. At the city council meeting, there was heated, emotional debate as alderpersons and residents both showed support for and opposition to the proposed migrant funding. The city council ended with a 34-13 vote, with many alderpersons in strong favor of approving the use of $51 million to aid migrants. This allocation of funds is expected to provide migrants with resources including staffing, food, transportation and legal services at temporary shelters. We applaud this vote and share this statement by Keron Blair, CRS Community Outreach and Capacity Building Manager.
Photo from Tahman Bradley, WGN news anchor and political reporter
“The highest values of our faith call us to welcome and make room for the stranger. The actions of the city council today are in line with those values. The many families displaced deserve to have their dignity and humanity upheld.
In making this decisive move, Chicago is being a leader in how our region and country respond to the migrant crisis that is unfolding before our very eyes. We applaud those in the city-county who voted to make this possible. This kind of leadership is needed from city and state governments around the country. Our migrant brothers and sisters must not be pawns in an awful political game.
CRS and our member congregations stand ready to open our doors, use our voice and take action to ensure that every person and family that show up at our doors finds community and safety.”
The recent decision from Chicago’s City Council upholds Community Renewal Society’s recognition of the humanity of all people. Faith calls us to act in solidarity and help those in need. CRS understands the urgency of supporting migrants coming to Chicago to advance racial, economic and social justice and create a diverse society where everyone can thrive.
Join us in our work to support migrants. Here are the steps you can take: