Where to Find Cooling Centers During Chicago’s Heatwave
How to stay cool and avoid heatstroke in the city and suburbs during the “heat dome.”
Diane Bou KhalilJune 17, 2024
Ana: A Ukrainian Refugee’s Story on the Trauma of War
After fleeing the war in Ukraine, Ana lives paycheck to paycheck in Illinois. Amid the lasting trauma from the Russian invasion — and the heartbreak of leaving family behind — she longs to return home.
Diane Bou KhalilJune 3, 2024
What You Need to Know About Immigration News This Week
Students say the University of Chicago is withholding their degrees for participating in antiwar encampments, Work Permits for All gets support from the Illinois General Assembly, and more.
Diane Bou KhalilMay 29, 2024
Afghan Refugee Recalls Surviving a Bomb and Fleeing Afghanistan
Nekbahkt, a Hazara Afghan woman and double amputee, was forced to flee Afghanistan leaving behind her husband and disabled brother. She now awaits to be reunited with her husband.
Diane Bou KhalilMay 28, 2024
How a Chicago Nonprofit Creates Community To Empower Middle Eastern and Arab Women
The Middle Eastern Immigrant and Refugee Alliance (MIRA) launched a women's empowerment group last fall to foster community and teach essential life skills.
Diane Bou KhalilMarch 15, 2024
Where to Find Free, or Low-Cost Mental Health Support in Chicago
Borderless compiled a list of organizations across the Chicagoland area that provide free or low-cost mental health support.
Diane Bou KhalilFebruary 20, 2024
How to Help Migrants Coming to Chicago
Where to donate food, clothing, money and more to help migrants arriving in Chicago from Texas and other southern states.
Two months on, Chicagoans grapple with the devastation of the Gaza war
Local Palestinians and Jewish people are mourning the deaths of people in Israel and Gaza and calling for an end to the war.
Diane Bou KhalilDecember 20, 2023
Where To Find Free or Cheap Winter Coats In Chicago
From coat drives to free stores to resale shops, here are places to get free or low-cost coats and jackets this winter in the Chicago area.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 10, 2023
Tsegay Gebreyohanes
He risked his life to flee Eritrea. Now, the father of three has started a new life in Chicago.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 6, 2023
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.
Diane Bou KhalilOctober 6, 2023
Newly-arrived Venezuelan migrants can now apply for TPS protections. Here’s How.
The Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday they would be extending and redesignating Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela, allowing Venezuelan immigrants to receive temporary permissions to live and work in the United States.
How to apply for FEMA assistance regardless of immigration status
Mixed immigration status families in Cicero and other Chicago-area towns can still apply for federal assistance if they were impacted by the July storms.
Diane Bou KhalilSeptember 15, 2023
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.
Diane Bou KhalilApril 6, 2023
Chicagoans Protest Surveillance and Deportation on the 20th Anniversary of ICE
Immigrant demonstrators called for the end of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the detainment and surveillance of immigrants.
Diane Bou KhalilMarch 30, 2023
Chicago’s Turkish and Syrian Community Members on How to Help Those Affected by the Earthquakes
Local Turkish and Syrian residents talk about the effects of the recent earthquakes on their home countries and about ways you can help.
Diane Bou KhalilFebruary 23, 2023
What ID Do You Need to Travel or Register to Vote?
From a driver’s license to a REAL ID card to CityKey ID, here’s how to get an ID if you’re an immigrant or an undocumented person.
Diane Bou KhalilFebruary 2, 2023
West Chicago Residents Await Decision on 2nd Waste Transfer Station in the City
Amid environmental concerns, residents questioned the need for a second waste station in their community and wanted to know what measures will be taken to mitigate increased pollution.
Diane Bou KhalilJanuary 26, 2023
Borderless Magazine’s Favorite Stories of 2022
A female Afghan governor-turned-refugee, a Bangladeshi community builder working behind bars, a Mexican American woman who turned love-letter writing into a family tradition, here are some of the people whose stories we helped tell in 2022.
Diane Bou KhalilJanuary 12, 2023
Behind the scenes of “After the Buses: Meet The Migrants At The Center Of Texas’ Manufactured Crisis”
Why we worked on these stories, how our collaboration with Block Club Chicago came together and what we learned.
Diane Bou KhalilDecember 15, 2022
What’s Behind Venezuelan Migrants Coming to Chicago?
Illinois Venezuelan Alliance cofounder Ana Gil Garcia explains why 25% of Venezuela’s population has left Venezuela and how Chicagoans are welcoming Venezuelan migrants.
Diane Bou KhalilDecember 1, 2022
The Essential Guide to Mutual Aid Groups in Chicago
From Little Village to Rogers Park, where to give and get help from your neighbors this holiday season in Chicago and its suburbs.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 21, 2022
Where To Find Free or Cheap Winter Coats In Chicago
From coat drives to free stores to resale shops, here are places to get inexpensive or free coats and jackets in the Chicago area.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 10, 2022
Who Are Asylum Seekers and What Is Asylum?
We answer your questions about asylum rules and the differences between asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and more.
Diane Bou KhalilOctober 20, 2022
West Chicago Receives Application for Second Trash Station Amid Concerns About Pollution
West Chicago residents are concerned about the environmental impact of Lakeshore Recycling Systems’ proposed waste transfer station, half a mile from an existing station.
Diane Bou KhalilSeptember 22, 2022
As Texas Governor Sends More Buses of Migrants to Chicago, Jobs and Housing Help Needed
As buses continue to arrive in Chicago carrying migrants from Texas, advocates are concerned about long-term housing and employment support.
Author Viet Thanh Nguyen on Being a Refugee and Storyteller
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Sympathizer” will receive an award from the American Writers Museum in Chicago this month.
Diane Bou KhalilAugust 30, 2022
One Year After Evacuating Kabul, Afghan Journalist Reflects on Life as a Refugee
After fleeing Afghanistan in August 2021, Borderless Pathways Fellow Saleha Soadat reflects on her first year in the U.S.
Diane Bou KhalilAugust 18, 2022
How to Find an Immigration Lawyer
When do you need an immigration lawyer? How can you find free legal help for your immigration case? We answer your questions.
Diane Bou KhalilApril 21, 2022
‘I Have Not Slept’: Chicago’s Ukrainians Worry About Family Back Home
As Russia's war on Ukraine escalates, local Ukrainians share how their families are dodging bombs, becoming refugees and praying for peace.
Diane Bou KhalilMarch 10, 2022
Iraqi Artist Bassim Al-Shaker Paints His Own Revolution
The Chicago-based artist on growing up in Iraq during the war and how his paintings endangered his life — and led to international acclaim.
Diane Bou KhalilFebruary 2, 2022
La guía esencial para los grupos de ayuda mutua en Chicago
Desde La Villita hasta Rogers Park, lugares para dar y recibir ayuda de sus vecinos en esta temporada navideña en Chicago y sus suburbios.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 22, 2021
Inmigrantes de Chicago se manifiestan por el derecho a convertirse en ciudadanos de su hogar de toda la vida
Los manifestantes detuvieron el tráfico mientras pedían su proceso hacia la ciudadanía para 11 millones de inmigrantes indocumentados en los Estados Unidos.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 8, 2021
Dónde encontrar pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19 en Chicago
Las pruebas rápidas y de PCR están disponibles en toda el área de Chicago. Manténte al tanto de tu salud y encuentra un sitio de pruebas en tu vecindario.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 4, 2021
Chicago’s Immigrants Rally for the Right to Become Citizens in Their Longtime Home
Protestors halted traffic as they called for a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 4, 2021
Where to Find Free COVID-19 Tests in Chicago
PCR and rapid testing is available throughout the Chicago area. Stay on top of your health and find a testing site in your neighborhood.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 1, 2021
El centro cultural libanés construye una comunidad en Illinois y otros lugares
En medio de múltiples crisis en su Líbano natal, Siham Ibrahim preserva la herencia libanesa en Chicago y ayuda a la gente que se encuentra en el Líbano.
Diane Bou KhalilOctober 12, 2021
Lebanese Cultural Center Builds Community in Illinois and Beyond
Amid multiple crises in her native Lebanon, Siham Ibrahim is preserving Lebanese heritage in Chicago and helping people back home.
Diane Bou KhalilOctober 7, 2021
La guía definitiva de comida africana en Chicago
¿Se te antoja la comida etíope, egipcia, ghanesa o somalí? Lo tenemos todo solucionado con nuestra lista detallada de los restaurantes africanos que debes probar en Chicago.
Diane Bou KhalilAugust 26, 2021
The Ultimate Guide to African Food in Chicago
Craving Ethiopian, Egyptian, Ghanaian or Somali food? We’ve got you covered with our exhaustive list of Chicago’s must-try African restaurants.
Diane Bou KhalilAugust 18, 2021
Con la reapertura de Chicago, inmigrantes dueños de restaurantes reflexionan sobre un año sin precedentes
Frente a un futuro incierto, una investigación de Borderless Magazine encontró que los restaurantes de inmigrantes sobrellevan la recuperación con creatividad y determinación después de una pausa pandémica.
Diane Bou KhalilJuly 20, 2021
As Chicago Reopens, Immigrant Restaurateurs Reflect on An Unprecedented Year
Facing an uncertain future, immigrant-owned restaurants are navigating recovery after a pandemic hiatus with creativity and grit.
Diane Bou KhalilJuly 8, 2021
What You Should Know About the Situation in Palestine
U.S. Palestinian Community Network’s Souzan Naser on what people need to understand about the recent Israeli airstrikes in Palestine and how to help.
Diane Bou KhalilMay 24, 2021
La ciudadanía se manifiesta para terminar con la violencia en contra de asiáticos en los Estados Unidos
Después de un año donde se ha visto un aumento en los ataques contra las comunidades asiáticas en el país, grupos locales Asiático-Americanos e Isleños del Pacífico (AAPI, por sus siglas en inglés) se reunieron en el Barrio chino de Chicago para exigir respuestas.
How to Confront Domestic Violence
Apna Ghar’s Maha Waseem on how immigrants are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence and what we can do to support survivors.
Residente de Chicago Recuerda al Irán Revolucionario
La autora local Jacqueline Saper era joven durante la revolución iraní de 1979 y posteriormente solicitó asilo en Estados Unidos.
Diane Bou KhalilApril 13, 2021
Utilizando Instagram para humanizar la crisis de refugiados
Después de ser voluntaria en los campamentos de refugiados en Grecia, la abogada de derechos humanos Alexandra Tarzikhan creó una comunidad virtual para ampliar las historias individuales de los refugiados.
Diane Bou KhalilApril 13, 2021
Chicagoans Rally to End Violence Against Asians in America
After a year that has seen a rise in attacks against Asian communities in the U.S., local AAPI groups gathered in Chicago's Chinatown to demand action.
Using Instagram to Humanize the Refugee Crisis
After volunteering at refugee camps in Greece, human rights lawyer Alexandra Tarzikhan created a virtual community to amplify the individual stories of refugees.
Diane Bou KhalilMarch 24, 2021
Chicagoan Remembers Revolutionary Iran
Local author Jacqueline Saper was a young woman during the 1979 Iranian revolution and sought asylum in the United States.
Diane Bou KhalilMarch 3, 2021
Behind the Story with the Code-Switched Cast
Watch the director and cast of Code-Switched discuss their hit indie show about five South Asian friends in an exclusive event.
Diane Bou KhalilFebruary 16, 2021
How Chicago’s New Welcoming City Ordinance Will Protect Immigrants
Alderman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez representing Chicago’s 33rd Ward speaks about Chicago as a Sanctuary City and it’s new Welcoming City Ordinance, which provides expanded protections to immigrants.
Diane Bou KhalilFebruary 10, 2021
Finding a new start in the US through education
After fleeing domestic violence in Ghana, Vida Opoku found life and light when she immigrated to Chicago.
Diane Bou KhalilJanuary 26, 2021
Una agenda de inmigración para y por el pueblo
Organizadores locales comparten las políticas de inmigración que consideran deberían priorizar el presidente Biden.
Diane Bou KhalilJanuary 25, 2021
A People’s Agenda for Immigration
Local organizers share the immigration policies that they believe President Biden should prioritize.
Diane Bou KhalilJanuary 20, 2021
Where to Find Turkey Giveaways This Thanksgiving
Community organizations throughout Chicago are giving out food and clothing to families in need this holiday season.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 19, 2020
Dónde Encontrar Pavos Gratis Este Día de Acción de Gracias
Organizaciones comunitarias en el area de Chicago están obsequiando comida y ropa a familias necesitadas en esta temporada navideña.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 19, 2020
‘Code-Switched’ Director Karan Sunil on His New South Asian Sitcom
The new sitcom follows five South Asian friends juggling love, work and family in Chicago.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 13, 2020
Waiting for Presidential Election Results, Chicagoans Show up to Protect their Vote
Less than a day after voting polls closed, immigrant community members rallied in downtown Chicago to defend the election.
How to Get Help Voting in Illinois
Wondering how to register to vote? How to vote by mail? ¿Quieres saber cómo registrarte para votar? ¿Cómo votar por correo?
Rohingya Americans on Voting for the First Time in US Election
About 15 Rohingya Refugees gathered at Warren Park to vote for the first time after being denied that right in their native Myanmar.
Lebanese-Mexican Restaurant Evette’s Opens Today
Chicago chefs Rafael Esparza and Mitchell AbouJamra drew on family recipes to create Evette’s, a new restaurant that highlights Lebanese immigrants’ contributions to Mexican cuisine.
Diane Bou KhalilOctober 15, 2020
Chasing the American Dream in the Gig Economy
Guatemalan immigrant storyteller Nestor Gomez shares his experiences as an Uber and Lyft driver in his new book, “Your Driver Has Arrived.”
Diane Bou KhalilOctober 5, 2020
Después de la decisión del tribunal, ¿Qué le depara al TPS?
El Estatus de Protección Temporal, o TPS por sus siglas en inglés, ayuda a que 300,000 personas puedan trabajar y vivir en los Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, la reciente decisión del tribunal amenaza con acabar con este programa humanitario.
Diane Bou KhalilSeptember 28, 2020
After Court Ruling, What’s Next for TPS?
Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, helps 300,000 people work and live in the United States. But a recent court ruling threatens to end the humanitarian program.
Diane Bou KhalilSeptember 28, 2020
Know Your Rights as a Migrant Farmworker
Illinois Migrant Council’s Miguel Sarmiento answers questions about migrant farmworker’s rights to salary, benefits, and protection during COVID.
Diane Bou KhalilSeptember 9, 2020
إنفجار يهز بيروت تضاف إلى أزمة لبنان المتزايدة
شرحت الأكاديميّة والناشطة كارمن جحا الأزمة الاقتصادية والسياسية في لبنان وكيفَ تعامَل الشباب اللبناني مع دعوات الثورة.
Diane Bou KhalilAugust 5, 2020
Explosions Rock Beirut, Adding to Lebanon’s Growing Crisis
Academic and activist Carmen Geha explains Lebanon’s economic meltdown and how the Lebanese diaspora has taken up the call for revolution.
Diane Bou KhalilAugust 4, 2020
Immigration Judges Sue Over Censorship
The National Association of Immigration Judges' Samuel Cole talks about a Trump administration rule that he says muzzles judges.
Diane Bou KhalilJuly 8, 2020
Should I Apply for DACA? Can I Renew? Lawyer Answers DACA Recipients’ Questions
Vanessa Esparza-López, a supervising attorney with the National Immigrant Justice Center’s Immigrant Legal Defense Project, explains how the Supreme Court's ruling will impact DACA recipients.
A People’s Guide to Fighting Racism
Six Black and Latinx community leaders share what we need to do to address structural racism.
Dispatches from a COVID-19 hotspot: A neighborhood transformed
Chicago’s thriving, multicultural neighborhood West Ridge has been my beloved home ever since I left Lebanon four years ago. It is now a COVID-19 hotspot.
Diane Bou KhalilApril 29, 2020
Local Palestinian-American entrepreneurs spread peace and awareness through fashion line
Wear the Peace combines heritage, activism, and giving back to support those in need in the Middle East and beyond.
Diane Bou KhalilApril 1, 2020
