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How to Help Migrants in Chicago

Posted on June 5, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Sidney Madden

Sidney Madden

A group of migrants stands outside buses with bags and blankets

Migrants get off a bus at Union Station on Oct. 14. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Tribune /  Getty)

Thousands of migrants have come to Chicago via bus from Texas since the fall — and more are expected to be on their way.

As a refresher, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been sending the asylum seekers, many of whom are from Central and South America, to the city to protest against federal border policies.

Finding shelter for migrants has been challenging and divisive. Families are sleeping on police station floors. Residents are learning about temporary shelters planned in South Shore and Avondale. Some officials are proposing McCormick Place or Navy Pier as central shelters for migrants.

But individual Chicagoans can help.

Want more? Check out Block Club and Borderless.

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