A Chicago activist, P Rae Easley, is concerned that the city is at risk of going bankrupt due to continued funding for migrant care. Despite opposition, the city council approved an additional $70 million for this purpose, on top of the $150 million already allocated in the budget. Mayor Brandon Johnson requested the funding to deal with the ongoing migrant crisis Chicago is facing, with over 2,000 migrants arriving each week and nearly 40,000 since August 2022. The city aims to provide basic necessities such as food, shelter, medical care, education, vaccines, case management, and resettlement support.
Easley and other residents believe that illegal immigrants are being prioritized over American citizens. She highlighted the need in the city for additional resources for rehab for addicts and restoration of transportation for general education students. Easley pointed out that with 40% absenteeism in the district, it is unfair that transportation is provided for migrants but not for American children of taxpayers. She rejected the comparison to waves of immigrants who came legally to the U.S. through Ellis Island or the Port of New Orleans, emphasizing the importance of vetting individuals before entry for security reasons.
Despite the approval of the funding request, Easley noted that support for such funding is beginning to break down as more residents speak out against it. She acknowledged that the opposition led to some progressives voting against it. Easley clarified that their opposition is not directed solely at Mayor Brandon Johnson but at chaos and progressivism. She emphasized that individuals coming into the country without being vetted pose a potential security threat to the city. Easley stressed the importance of proper vetting and record-keeping for individuals entering the country.
The concern over continued funding for migrant care in Chicago stems from the fear of bankrupting the city due to the ongoing influx of migrants and the heavy financial burden it places on taxpayers. Despite the council’s approval of the additional $70 million, residents like Easley are determined to continue speaking out against what they see as prioritizing illegal immigrants over American citizens. Easley’s advocacy for resources for American citizens, such as transportation for students and rehab for addicts, highlights the ongoing debate over how taxpayer funds are allocated in the city. As the issue continues to be a point of contention among residents, it remains to be seen how the city will address the concerns raised by those like Easley who are vocal opponents of the current funding priorities.
