Immigrants have become key to fueling growth in the Chicago area housing market in recent years. According to a report given to the governor last year, immigrants made up more than 80 percent of new homeowners in suburban Cook County from 2000 to 2005. But the maelstrom over immigration policy has slowed down one part of that market. As part of our ongoing series Chicago Matters: Beyond Borders, Chicago Public Radio’s Ashley Gross brings us the story of one undocumented immigrant who recently bought a home in Berwyn.

**A note to listeners, the homebuyer agreed to be interviewed only on the condition that his and his family’s names be changed.