Chicago has begun the process of evicting migrants from shelters, adhering to a policy implemented by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration that limits shelter stays to 60 days.
However, on the first day of enforcement, only three out of the nearly three dozen migrants expected to be evicted were removed.
The city disclosed that 31 migrants were granted extensions, with the majority being in the middle of applying for public benefits, while a few were exempt due to pregnancy or disability reasons.
The eviction of migrants comes as Chicago faces the challenge of housing nearly 11,000 migrants currently in shelters, with the expectation that around 2,000 will need to leave by the end of April.
Despite the beginning of evictions, the city has stated it won’t start evicting migrant families until the summer. The evictions were slated to start at several shelter locations, including one on Elston Avenue, the former Wadsworth Elementary School building, and the Gage Park Field House.
In November, the state slashed rental assistance for migrants, reducing it from six months to three months and narrowing eligibility to those who entered city shelters before November 17, 2023. Migrants arriving after this date are no longer eligible for state rental assistance.
The Progressive Reform Caucus, comprising 19 council members, has consistently opposed evictions of migrants from city-operated shelters.
On Monday, March 18th, they issued a statement calling for the mayor to terminate the policy promptly.
The caucus statement noted, “The Progressive Caucus disagrees strongly with the strategy, as it risks contributing to the city’s unhoused population and exacerbating social and racial tension at a time when we need to unite.”
Andre Vasquez, chair of the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights, voiced opposition to the city’s approach, stating, “We don’t believe the city should be in the business of evicting people, especially those who can’t get work authorization and can’t get rental assistance.”
Mayor Johnson, on the other hand, has defended the evictions as a measure to promote independence, stating that the policy “is advancing a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency.”
In response to the mayor’s defense, Vasquez criticized the notion that evictions would encourage resettlement, arguing that it merely creates desperation among those seeking a better life in the U.S.
He also called for more transparency in the eviction process and expressed concern over the potential increase in homelessness due to the policy. “When the city is contributing to homelessness while trying to solve it, it doesn’t make sense. It undermines our arguments for the things we want to put forward,” Vasquez remarked.
Those departing can reapply for accommodation at the city’s designated “landing zone.”
