Anthony Jackson for Borderless MagazineFrom a Venezuelan family’s long-awaited reunion to our Black Immigrants Today series, Borderless Magazine’s visual journalists amplified the stories of Chicago’s immigrant communities.
In a year dominated by the ongoing plight of Venezuelan asylum seekers and a war between Israel and Hamas, Borderless photojournalists worked to capture the humanity of the immigrant communities impacted by the headlines.
Want to receive stories like this in your inbox every week?
Sign up for our free newsletter.
Just like in our writing, Borderless Magazine centers visuals of immigrants in our immigration coverage. Our photographs and illustrations offer readers a chance to see the worlds of others.
Our visuals team was on the ground when Syrian refugee Amal visited Chicago. They took portraits for our Black Immigrants Today series, captured the joy at a Desi queer open mic and documented the community response as final clean-up efforts are done at a former radioactive site in suburban West Chicago.
The following images, an unranked selection, were carefully curated by Borderless Magazine from the past year as we look to 2024.
South Asia Institute Holds Its First Desi Queer Open Mic Night
Organizers say the event was a first for the institute but hope it will promote more inclusivity while celebrating Desi queer stories and creativity. “As an immigrant and a queer person, I have understood the importance of public spheres,” Ankit Khadgi said on stage. “I want to prioritize helping marginalized voices get a platform, where they can speak and express themselves.”
As Public Health Emergency Ends, Community Resource Groups Work to Fill the Gap
As Gov. Pritzker declares an end to the public health emergency brought on by the pandemic and subsequent relief funds, four community-led efforts work to make sure their neighbors’ needs are still met.“We are rooted in solidarity, not charity,” said Gerardo Mircino, a founder of the Rogers Park Free Store. “We are a diverse group of people, we have a lot of immigrants among us and we go by the motto that we take care of each other.”
Black Immigrants Today: Jean Chrisbene Justin
He was a police officer in Haiti. He left with his son after being threatened by gang members. Now he awaits his family in Chicago. “I would have trouble every day after I finished my shift, receiving threat after threat, so I decided that it was time for me to leave. It was enough.”
Black Immigrants Today: Max
Max was born and raised in Senegal. But after years of suffering economic hardship and sexual abuse, he was cast out of his family. “I was being discriminated against as a gay man in Morocco. I couldn’t share my true identity as I was. I was afraid of being persecuted.”
Black Immigrants Today: Agnes Kanjinga
She left Congo to escape ongoing violence. In search of a safe home for her children, she came to Chicago and found her community.
“My dream was to become a doctor, but my dad passed away and I had to help my mother. So there weren’t that many possibilities for me to go and continue with my education.”
Chicago Rapper Shouly Explores His ‘Double Identity’ and Challenges Arab Stereotypes
The Palestinian-Jordanian hip-hop artist talks about identity as inspiration, his growth since his debut album and what’s next.
“At first, I thought [the music] was only talking to my audience in the Middle East, Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt. And then, when it got traction, views, and listenership in Jordan, I realized the music I wrote in my bedroom doesn’t only speak for me; it speaks to other people; going through a similar thing.”
These Chicago Afghans Have Built a Community on the Soccer Field
After fleeing the Taliban, a group of Afghans in Chicago have found each other – and strength – through playing soccer.
“In this game, we find a common language that transcends all barriers,” said Hussein Rezaee. “We create a united front against the darkness that tries to extinguish our hopes and dreams.”
Little Amal Comes to Chicago With a Message of Hope for Refugees
The 12-foot-tall puppet tells the story of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee separated from her family.
“Refugees have dreams and are here to be safe and be educated,” said Samira Alhamwi from Homs, Syria. “They are looking for safety and a home to continue their life.”
After decades of waiting, West Chicago’s Final Radiation Cleanup Begins
While newer residents unearth decades of contamination, some neighbors look forward to a planned public park at the former thorium factory.
A Chicago Faith-based Nonprofit Furnishes Homes for Asylum Seekers
New Life Centers’ New Vecino program, funded by the state, provides asylum seekers with wraparound services and furniture for new apartments.
“It’s really hard to see it, more so when their kids are outside of shelters and now with the cold, we see them, and I say: ‘My God!’” said Sandra Milena Gallego, a New Life Centers employee who helps move the furniture. “There are people who need basic needs to live a basic human life. A good way of life.”
Bring power to immigrant voices!
Our work is made possible thanks to donations from people like you. Support high-quality reporting by making a tax-deductible donation today.
