Hundreds of immigrants living in Chicago shelters could be evicted in the coming months as the city's mayor finally cuts back on the city's overburdened shelters.
Starting Tuesday, beds at one of Chicago's 13 migrant shelters will only be available to immigrants who have been in the city for 30 days or less, according to Mayor Brandon Johnson's office.
Immigrants already in the program will also be barred from reapplying for shelter once they reach the city's 60-day stay limit, with authorities only making exceptions for pregnant women and those suffering from illness or disability.
The policy change revolves around a new integrated shelter system that is scheduled to go into effect in early 2025 and will combine the city's immigrant and homeless shelters.
As of Monday, there were nearly 5,000 immigrants living in Chicago shelters, and at least 1,200 will face eviction in January when the new system takes full effect. CBS News reported.
More than 2,700 migrants have already been evicted from shelters since Chicago began the 60-day restrictions in March, and about 75% of them have nowhere else to stay, according to city housing data. The patient has re-entered the facility without any problems.
Johnson blamed the current situation on Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who over the past two years has begun sending buses and planes full of migrants to so-called sanctuary cities.
While the Windy City has sought to meet its obligations, Johnson said the administration's hand is forced by a lack of adequate funding and the need to prioritize the city's native homeless population.
“Is there any chance this could lead to people on the streets? I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the financial hardship we're experiencing right now and the impact that has on this mission.” Johnson said during a news conference at City Hall on Monday.
“You don't want to see anyone lose, right? But the harsh reality is that we can do what we can,” he added. “We've reached our limits.”
Johnson blames the current situation on what he describes as “stingy and greedy” conservatives, who opposed the failed spring “Return to Chicago” referendum and paid for more beds in the city's shelters. He seems to be placing the blame on the fact that he was asking for a tax increase.
The city previously closed four migrant shelters in October, including in Pilsen, the Loop, Hyde Park and West Town.
The state announced it would close another migrant shelter in the Little Village area on Nov. 3.
