Cierra Lemott 
Since August 2022, more than 10,000 asylum-seekers have come to Chicago from Texas in search of new and better opportunities. In order to be able to afford to house these asylum-seekers and ensure that they have the basic essentials, government funding is required.
Just last week, there was a $51 million aid for those who came to the city approved by the Chicago City Council. This funding will be going toward housing for migrants as well as an outdoor dining program, according to ABC7. Many are wondering where this funding is coming from and have yet to receive answers. In addition to this, citizens would like to know why this funding wasn’t allocated to struggling Chicagoans such as the homeless and low-income.
To have this much funding approved that will only last through the month of June is a slap in the face to local residents. What about the people that we already had here that need help?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying don’t help the migrants in need. They came here because they had no other choice. However, if this funding can be approved for them, it should also be approved for low-income communities and the homeless.
There shouldn’t be a decision to help one group versus another. Both citizens of the city, as well as asylum-seekers, should be receiving assistance through government funding. For one group to be completely disregarded when decisions of allocating funds were being made is unacceptable.
The biggest question is what will happen when the $51 million runs out by the end of the month. Will the help that the city is offering to these migrant strangers end up hurting the local citizens in the long run? Guess we will have to wait and see.
By Cierra Lemott, Senior, Columbia College Chicago
Instagram: @cece.kodak / @kodakscamera
Twitter: @LemottCierra
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