On August 29, one month ago, more than 70 people were dropped off by bus at Chicago’s Union Station. Many were asylum seekers fleeing political and systemic violence, who had been sent to Chicago shortly after crossing the border by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as part of a cruel political stunt.They were the first of many new arrivals to come.  While the governors of Texas and Florida intended to create chaos and resentment toward immigrants, the City of Chicago and the network of civil society partners here have responded with compassion and legal services to ensure due process for people who have a right under U.S. laws to seek asylum. Our team at the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) immediately jumped into action. Partnering with the city, state, and a number of local nonprofits, NIJC staffers–including myself–were on site at a reception center to provide legal orientations and ensure people knew their rights. Meanwhile, other organizations provided case management, health checkups, and short-term housing. In the month since that first bus arrived, Chicago has welcomed over a thousand people arriving into the city on buses from the border, and watched as other communities also welcomed new arrivals with open arms. Each new bus is met by volunteers, ready to help orient the families and individuals on board. Yesterday, I joined colleagues from other organizations on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight to talk about how we’re assisting those who are arriving. Earlier this week, The New York Times published a letter to the editor by NIJC Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy and NIJC Leadership Board Member Iris J. Millán, who highlighted the urgency of ensuring that people who come to the U.S. seeking protection have access to a functioning immigration system. They say: “Illinois communities are coming together to model the way that our nation should always welcome newcomers — with dignity and open arms. The federal government also has a role to play, and we call on the Biden administration to coordinate and provide funding and support so that all people fleeing persecution have an opportunity to exercise their asylum rights, as well as legal avenues for work, permanent shelter and family reunification.” This is not the first time we’ve seen racist stunts like this to use people as political pawns. Certain governors’ recent actions are disturbingly similar to those by segregationists during the Jim Crow Era who misled Black residents in the U.S. South into taking buses, “Reverse Freedom Rides,” to northern cities, including Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. The intent is the same: to cause chaos and stoke hatred and fear. We can do better. We encourage you to join us in being part of a welcoming community that treats people with dignity and respect. You can help welcome Chicago’s most recent arrivals and help NIJC in our work in several ways: 1) Donate to NIJC to give people life-changing legal services.
2) Donate your time and supplies to help address other pressing needs.
3) Volunteer as a pro bono attorney at the Chicago migrant reception center (if you speak Spanish) or help NIJC build legal capacity by taking a pro bono case. Learn more about how you can help and access helpful legal resources on our website: https://immigrantjustice.org/issues/arriving-migrants Thank you for supporting newly arriving immigrants and asylum seekers! -Alejandra Oliva
Community Engagement Manager, National Immigrant Justice Center In picture: NIJC staff, Alex Collins, Cecilia Mendoza, Nereida Lopez, and Cecelia Forberg, at the reception center in Chicago, where NIJC staff and others have been working around-the-clock to support people arriving. | 
