The mental health of migrants simmers below the surface as the next looming crisis
Support groups are trying to address the obstacles to care, including language barriers and a persistent shortage of mental health workers.
Migrants in Chicago
Featured
![]()
Isolated and afraid, pregnant migrants cobble together prenatal care any way they can
“I’m scared I will go into labor in the shelter,” said one Venezuelan mother-to-be. “But if I put my faith in God, I feel it will be OK.”
![]()
What does it mean for Chicago to be a sanctuary city?
The term has become conflated with policies that provide public benefits and resources, according to DePaul University’s Kathleen Arnold.
![]()
Latest
![]()
Cook County has $20 million for the suburbs to help migrants. Most towns aren’t going for it.
Some towns say they’re already overburdened. Nonprofit organizations working to help migrants say suburbs could pass the money to them.
![]()
Chicago City Council committee gives initial approval to $70 million more for migrants
Some alderpersons objected to spending the money when their communities also need funding. The proposal goes before the full council Wednesday
![]()
Johnson to Biden: Long-term undocumented immigrants deserve work permits, too
On the first anniversary of his election as mayor, Johnson touted a letter he signed with leaders from other cities urging Biden to push harder for more work permits for immigrants.
![]()
Feeding migrants in Chicago involves balancing nutrition, cost and taste
The city of Chicago has learned lessons and brought on new caterers to feed South American migrants in temporary shelters.
![]()
Chicago slowly starts evicting migrants from shelters
Dozens of adults were expected to be evicted Sunday, amid an outbreak of measles, but just three were. They will be able to reapply for shelter at the city’s designated ‘landing zone.’
![]()
Mayor Johnson confirms migrant evictions coming, despite measles outbreak and protests
Chicago’s mayor said the 60-day limit on shelter stays would, after previous delays, finally be enforced Saturday, impacting potentially thousands. There would, however, continue to be exemptions.
![]()
Paying millions to house migrants, Chicago failed to take Catholic archdiocese up on offers of free rent
For well over a year, church officials have offered up rent-free locations to the city, potentially saving taxpayers money.
![]()
Migrants move out of two Oak Park shelters. What’s next for them?
The western suburb has housed 160 migrants since November. Two shelter sites closed this week, but local groups are working to fill the gap.
![]()
Migrants in Chicago file complaints about racist remarks and hostile treatment across city shelters
From June 2023 to January 2024, migrants living in city-run shelters lodged 248 grievances, WBEZ found.
![]()
To trace the origins of busing migrants to Chicago, start with Donald Trump, Tucker Carlson and Ted Cruz
Key decision makers in Illinois and Texas talk about the early months of Texas’s program to export migrants to Democratic cities like Chicago.
