Chicago City Wire

CHICAGO —On August 23, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), joined by local elected officials and advocates from across Chicago and surrounding suburbs, held a roundtable and a press conference to reiterate his call to the Biden administration for an increase in federal funding for food, shelter and legal services for immigrants as well as expanded parole and work permits for both new migrants and long-term contributing immigrant workers. 

“Migrants make the journey to our communities seeking safety and stability for their families. Whether immigrants arrived 3 decades ago or 3 days ago, we all deserve to be treated with the same dignity and respect,” said Rep. García. “I convened leaders from across Chicago to make our point loud and clear: Chicago needs expanded work permits and more federal resources to continue welcoming migrants.”

“I’m proud to be here as the daughter of immigrants and proud to represent a very diverse community,” said State Representative Theresea Mah. “As the co-chair of the Asian American Legislative Caucus, we work very closely with the Latino Caucus supporting immigrant-friendly policies and I stand here today in support of Congressman García’s efforts at the federal level as well as the efforts of the City of Chicago.”

“Illinois is known for its diverse and vibrant immigrant community, and it has been the backdrop of my own journey as an immigrant. Securing the immediate funding for organizations like ours is crucial to ensure that recently arrived migrants receive the vital services and support their need to integrate into our society,” saidJohannes Favi, Deputy Director and Board Member of the Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants. “By investing in the wellbeing of recent immigrants we are also tapping into an extraordinary wealth of talent and innovation that enrich our communities.”

“For the last year, our organization has been working with the recent arrivals making sure we provide case management, shelter, food and other basic services they need. Illinois has been one of the most welcoming states of the country, but as such we are asking for the necessary resources to continue assisting these families to make their American Dream come true,” said Maggie Lugo, Executive Director, Casa Michoacan; Member of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. “Human dignity is not negotiable. Whether someone arrived recently or has been living here for decades, like my family – we need a long term solution that includes emergency resources for welcoming cities that include emergency resources, expedited work permits and a path to legalization for all.”

On July 21st, Congressmen García (IL-04) led 38 congressional colleagues in a letter urging the Biden administration to expand parole and work permits to both new migrants and long term contributing immigrant workers. The letter was endorsed by 50 immigration and business organizations. 

A live stream of the press conference can be viewed here. 

Original source can be found here.