A Mini World Cup Celebrates Refugees in Chicago
Refugees from over 15 countries played in a soccer tournament at World Refugee Day Chicago.
Youcef O. BounabJune 23, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, June 16-June 22
This week, check out a free Chicago Salsa music concert, a family-friendly reading and arts event, and more!
Borderless Magazine StaffJune 16, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, June 9-June 15
This week, check out a variety of Juneteenth events, a Filipino festival, a Ukrainian art market and more!
Borderless Magazine StaffJune 10, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, June 2-June 8
This week, check out an exhibition by a Korean photographer, a film on immigrant activist groups and more!
Borderless Magazine StaffJune 2, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, May 26-June 1
This week, check out a concert by a Puerto Rican folk singer, a photo exhibition on Asian Americans from the Midwest and more!
Borderless Magazine StaffMay 26, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, May 19-25
This week, check out Chicago’s inaugural AAPI Restaurant Week, the Chicago Palestine Film Festival and more!
Borderless Magazine StaffMay 19, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, May 12-18
This week, check out the Chicago Palestine Film Festival, an art exhibition to mark Haitian Heritage Month and more!
Borderless Magazine StaffMay 12, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, May 5-11
This week, meet Borderless' team for a happy hour, learn about Cambodian music and attend the Youth Hood Fair!
Borderless Magazine StaffMay 5, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, Apr. 28-May 4
This week, we look forward to an immigration conference, an artist takeover of Jane Addams Hull-House Museum and our own public happy hour!
Borderless Magazine StaffApril 27, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, Apr. 21-Apr. 27
Events on our radar include a virtual book club, a talk on Afghanistan's missing history and night of dancing and tribute to Selena
Borderless Magazine StaffApril 21, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, Apr. 14-Apr. 20
Events on our radar include a community iftar and a photography exhibition featuring service industry workers
Borderless Magazine StaffApril 14, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, Apr. 7-Apr. 13
Events on our radar include Expo Chicago and a virtual discussion on refugee resettlement services in Chicago
Borderless Magazine StaffApril 7, 2022
Chicago’s Herbalists Are Filling Gaps in Health Care Access During COVID
As misinformation about natural cures soars during the pandemic, trained herbalists in Chicago are educating vulnerable immigrant communities.
Leslie HurtadoApril 6, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, Mar. 31-Apr. 6
Events on our radar include art shows at the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago and the Chinese American Museum of Chicago.
Borderless Magazine StaffMarch 31, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, Mar. 25-Mar. 31
This week, check out a comedy show about immigrating to the U.S., a lecture on Greek independence and an art show in Pilsen.
Borderless Magazine StaffMarch 24, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, Mar. 18-Mar. 24
Events on our radar include an art show titled “America, le/the/el Terrible” and a film screening about a Korean American's coming of age
Borderless Magazine StaffMarch 18, 2022
How Two Queer Latinx Artists Are Bridging Generations Through Archives
Amanda Cervantes and Jose Luis Benavides look at how far the queer Latinx community has come in their work with Chicago’s Gerber/Hart archives.
Ariel MejiaMarch 16, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, Mar. 11-Mar. 17
Events on our radar this week include a a mindful storytelling workshop and an exhibition by Iranian artist Azadeh Gholizadeh.
Borderless Magazine StaffMarch 11, 2022
How Chicago’s Amigas Latinas Made It OK to Be Out in the ’90s
The monthly discussion group Amigas Latinas provided a safe space in Chicago for Latina lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer women.
Ariel MejiaMarch 9, 2022
Four Things to Do in Chicago, Mar. 3-Mar. 11
A book talk on Chicago's Mexican American neighborhoods, a fundraiser to mark one year since the Atlanta spa shootings and more events
Borderless Magazine StaffMarch 3, 2022
The Making and Unmaking of Mexican Chicago
Historian Mike Amezcua examines the origins and anti-gentrification struggles of Latinx Chicago neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village.
Four Things to Do in Chicago, Feb. 17-Feb. 23
Learn about an Indian sitarist and composer, attend a German film screening and register for FOIA Fest 2022!
Borderless Magazine StaffFebruary 17, 2022
Four Things to Do in Chicago, Feb. 10-Feb. 16
On our radar this week: exploring Latin hip hop as poetry, discussing the Haitian migrant crisis and considering "Japaneseness"
Borderless Magazine StaffFebruary 10, 2022
Three Things to Do in Chicago, Feb. 3-Feb. 9
Learn about generational storytelling between African American women, celebrate the Year of the Tiger and attend a workshop for Latinx writers
Borderless Magazine StaffFebruary 3, 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
Five Things to Do in Chicago, January 27–February 3
A talk on Palestinian identity, an anti-Asian hate rally and more events to check out this week in Chicago
Borderless Magazine StaffJanuary 27, 2022
Remembering the Muslim Travel Ban 5 Years On
A new book by Reece Jones chronicles the aftermath of Trump’s ban on nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
Borderless Magazine StaffJanuary 25, 2022
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Dec. 2–Dec. 9
Learn about a nature-centric curriculum for youth, watch a documentary on activism in Gage Park and attend a community-focused art expo!
Borderless Magazine StaffJanuary 21, 2022
Three Things To Do In Chicago, January 20–27
An immersive evening of Cuban culture, a conversation on environmental racism on the Southeast Side and more
Borderless Magazine StaffJanuary 20, 2022
The Liberating Language of Love Letters
A first-generation Mexican American on how her parents met through the Chicago Sun-Times personal ads and the benefits of dating slowly.
Vanessa BorjonJanuary 18, 2022
Three Things To Do In Chicago, January 14–20
A comedy night, a sip-and-paint and other ways to unwind both mentally and physically this week in Chicago
Borderless Magazine StaffJanuary 13, 2022
Six Things To Do In Chicago, January 6-13
A food and toy giveaway, free yoga and more
Borderless Magazine StaffJanuary 6, 2022
Borderless Magazine’s Photos and Illustrations of the Year
From building a community garden to trying on a Quince dress, Borderless Magazine’s visual journalists told the stories of our immigrant communities this year.
Borderless Magazine StaffDecember 22, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Dec. 17–Dec. 23
A festive tribute to Chicago’s '90s drag underground scene, cocktails for a cause and a pop-up holiday market!
Borderless Magazine StaffDecember 16, 2021
El arte y el medio ambiente se encuentran en un nuevo plan de estudios
Los artistas y educadores de Chicago detrás del programa “lo pequeño es todo” (“small is all”) hablan sobre lo que los lleva a vivir en la ciudad.
Nissa RheeDecember 13, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Dec. 9–Dec. 16
Go dancing, attend an NIJC training to educate and advocate for the release of detained immigrants and attend a holiday market in Pilsen!
Borderless Magazine StaffDecember 9, 2021
Carlos Barberena’s Prints Are Humanizing Testaments of Immigrant Stories
Ahead of his new exhibition in Milwaukee, the Chicago-based artist talks about his work and the radical democracy of printmaking.
Kerry CardozaDecember 8, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Dec. 2–Dec. 9
Learn about a nature-centric curriculum for youth, watch a documentary on activism in Gage Park and attend a community-focused art expo!
Borderless Magazine StaffDecember 2, 2021
Art and Environment Meet in New Curriculum
The Chicago artists and educators behind the “small is all" program talk about what grounds them in the city.
Nissa RheeDecember 1, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Nov. 26–Dec. 2
An immigration story for kids, a therapeutic community vaccine event and holiday shopping at the National Museum of Mexican Art!
Borderless Magazine StaffNovember 23, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Nov. 19–Nov. 26
Attend the Queer Cinema for Palestine Film Festival, an educational printmaking festival and a community thanksgiving!
Borderless Magazine StaffNovember 19, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Nov. 11–Nov. 18
Voice your thoughts with the #StopGeneralIron campaign, run to fundraise for Afghan refugees and join us at an awards ceremony for local independent online news!
Borderless Magazine StaffNovember 11, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Nov. 4–Nov. 11
Attend a climate justice event, go on an altar walk and learn about storytelling in Native communities!
Borderless Magazine StaffNovember 4, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Oct. 28–Nov. 4
Help advocate for a path to citizenship, visit an installation of ofrendas and go "trunk-or-treating" on the Southeast Side!
Borderless Magazine StaffOctober 28, 2021
Las puertas de la Lotería en Pilsen hablan del pasado y el presente del vecindario
Diferentes artistas han pintado una serie de murales en las puertas de la calle 18, inspirados en el clásico juego de la Lotería.
Maggie SivitOctober 27, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Oct. 22-Oct. 29
Attend a Halloween show to help communities in Honduras, support the Southeast Environmental Task Force and get free COVID tests and boosters!
Claire VoonOctober 22, 2021
At Last in the US, a Transgender Asylum Seeker Finds Her Footing
After crossing the U.S.-Mexico border to seek asylum, Susana Coreas is navigating life in New York City and building community along the way.
Claudia HernándezOctober 21, 2021
The Lotería doors in Pilsen speak to the neighborhood’s past and present
Different artists have painted a series of murals on doors along 18th Street, inspired by the classic Lotería game.
Maggie SivitOctober 19, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Oct. 15-Oct. 21
Watch a documentary about Chicago’s Southeast Side, run to support Middle Eastern refugees and meet the Borderless team at a beer tasting!
Borderless Magazine StaffOctober 15, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Oct. 8-Oct. 15
Get a free copy of our comic book, give local journalists feedback on their work and learn about the case for opening the U.S.-Mexico border.
Borderless Magazine StaffOctober 8, 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
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Sept. 30-Oct. 7
Eat mooncakes, learn about activist campaigns on Chicago's Southeast Side and sign up for a workshop geared towards photo editors.
Borderless Magazine StaffSeptember 30, 2021
Meet the Owner of Kim’s Corner Food, a Chicago Grocery Stocked with Collages
North Korea-born Thomas Kong immigrated to the U.S. for opportunity. Now, he has a distinct profession: convenience store owner and artist.
Claire VoonSeptember 29, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Sept. 23-Sept. 29
Check out Latinx artwork, attend a peace rally for Haitian migrants, and join Borderless in conversation with organizer Lucky Camargo on gentrification in Little Village and the Discount Mall.
Borderless Magazine StaffSeptember 23, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Sept. 16-Sept. 22
Celebrate Hangawi at the Korean Cultural Center, attend a garden party hosted by the Latino Union to support organizing for worker and immigrant rights, and catch a small business sidewalk sale at Mestiza Shop
Borderless Magazine StaffSeptember 16, 2021
Immigrant Artists Lose Their Home After Contentious Eviction
The developer who ordered the eviction will demolish the Little Village building that housed the community space La Casa del Inmigrante.
Alexandra ArriagaSeptember 16, 2021
Future of Little Village’s Discount Mall Still Uncertain, One Year After Sale
Latinx business owners worry about the fate of their stores at the iconic Discount Mall in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
Adriana RezalSeptember 14, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, Sept. 9-Sept. 16
Get free copies of our comic, watch a panel on how 9/11 changed the United States’ immigration system and attend an art show exploring the idea of home
Borderless Magazine StaffSeptember 9, 2021
Los ‘Lows Chicanos’ de Cicero
Un nuevo club de autos lowrider* de Cicero en Illinois reúne a jóvenes en zonas de Chicago en torno a lowriders para crear una conexión y explorar la identidad chicana.
Abel RodriguezSeptember 7, 2021
Lows Chicanos de Cicero
A new lowrider car club out of Cicero, IL brings together Chicago-area youth to bond over vintage muscle cars and celebrate Chicano identity.
Abel RodriguezSeptember 7, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, September 1-September 11
Check out South Asian artwork, dance to the rhythms of Bomba con Buya and eat delicious Caribbean food
Borderless Magazine StaffSeptember 2, 2021
La cervecería de Humboldt Park reflexiona sobre la pandemia
Con el apoyo de subvenciones y préstamos, la cervecería nórdica Ørkenoy ahora busca convertirse en un centro comunitario de Humboldt Park.
Mark DovichSeptember 1, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, August 26-September 1
Join Borderless for free handouts of our latest comic, meet refugee farmers over a salad bar and pick up free food
Borderless Magazine StaffAugust 27, 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
Three Things To Do in Chicago, August 20-25
Join Borderless for a town hall on immigration journalism, free backpack give away and an Ethiopian dinner
Borderless Magazine StaffAugust 20, 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
Retratos de vendedores ambulantes de Chicago después de un año de crisis
La fotógrafa Natalie García visita a vendedores ambulantes inmigrantes en el noroeste de Chicago que han persistido durante la pandemia.
Natalie GarciaAugust 16, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, August 12-19
Music in the park, a seafood boil, public art and more ideas of things to do in Chicago
Borderless Magazine StaffAugust 12, 2021
Three Things To Do in Chicago, August 5-12
Live Latinx music, a book release and more ideas of things to do in Chicago
Borderless Magazine StaffAugust 5, 2021
Refugee High: Coming of Age in America
Writer Elly Fishman spent a year chronicling the lives of young refugees and immigrants at a Chicago public school in Rogers Park for her new book, Refugee High: Coming of Age in America.
For Singer-Songwriter Gabacho, Feeling Foreign Comes with Nostalgia
On the heels of a new series of music videos, Mexican-American artist Gabacho reflects on his creative path.
Alexandra ArriagaApril 15, 2021
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
In Little Village, An Immigrant-Led Artists’ Commune Resists as Developer Seeks Eviction
In the midst of a housing crisis that has left immigrant renters among the most vulnerable, a group of immigrant punk rock musicians are fighting to stay at a commercial building they’ve called home for years.
Alexandra ArriagaFebruary 24, 2021
New Contemporary Art Exhibit Uplifts Latinx Experiences
At the DePaul Art Museum, a major intergenerational art show celebrates the contributions of Latinx artists with ties to Chicago.
Claire VoonFebruary 18, 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
The South Side Mutual Aid Group Fighting Food Insecurity with Meals that Feed the Soul
Farm, Food, Familias partners with diverse chefs to bring dishes with cultural specificity to Black and Latinx communities in need.
Chelsea VerstegenFebruary 10, 2021
Our Most-read Stories of 2020
Borderless Magazine's most popular stories of 2020 include immigration stories about labor, racism, and the COVID-19 pandemic in the Midwest.
Borderless Magazine StaffDecember 29, 2020
Chicago Latina Moms Provides Mutual Aid Support to Immigrant Families
The local mom’s group gave out over $50,000 in mutual aid assistance to Chicago families who were unable to get the COVID-19 federal stimulus check.
Amaris E. RodriguezDecember 10, 2020
‘Reverse Assimilation’ Podcast Unpacks What it Means to be Mexican-American
More people have moved from the U.S. to Mexico in recent years than the other way around, further blending cultures and communities in the neighboring countries.
Ellen FreemanNovember 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
Omani? Indian? American? How to Navigate a Triple Identity
This year’s census and election pushed Kartik Ramkumar to rethink how he describes his heritage and homeland.
Kartik RamkumarOctober 27, 2020
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
Urban farm provides sense of community for refugees during COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic and pricey new water permits have challenged the eight-year-old Global Garden Refugee Training Farm on Chicago’s North Side.
Chelsea VerstegenSeptember 3, 2020
Saigon Sisters and Demera Foster a Cross-cultural Bond During COVID
The restaurants are offering “World Food Tour” meal packages showcasing Vietnamese and Ethiopian cuisine.
Cassidy JacksonSeptember 1, 2020
Julio Salgado on Telling Community Stories as an Undocumented and Queer Artist
The 37-year-old artist explains the power of art in the migrant movement and why he’s always laughing.
Francisco VelazquezAugust 19, 2020
From the coffee farms of El Salvador to the dairy lands of Wisconsin
Madison’s Finca Coffee celebrates its first anniversary with authentic pupusas and coffee beans bought directly from farmers in El Salvador.
Francisco VelazquezJuly 16, 2020
Vietnamese sisters behind First Sip cafe “breaking the rules” of coffee and business
After closing for over two months during the COVID-19 pandemic, an Uptown cafe that blends Vietnamese and Western tastes reopens its doors.
Michelle KanaarJune 24, 2020
Nonprofit motorcycle club raises money to help Assyrian elderly community
The Assyrian Knights have delivered care packages to 187 Assyrian families in the Chicago area since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Ata YounanMay 28, 2020
Dispatches from COVID-19: Finding Hope in Wicker Park’s Mexican Community
Coronavirus has devastated Latino communities in Illinois. But in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, one family is working and hoping for a better tomorrow.
Fernando MorenoMay 20, 2020
Why 16.7 million people were left out of the COVID-19 stimulus plan
Author Daniel Denvir on the “bipartisan war on immigrants” and how it’s falling apart.
Nissa RheeApril 8, 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
Chicago show brings immigrant stories, journeys to centerstage
Nestor Gomez’s storytelling showcase 80 Minutes Around the World focuses on the personal in a time of competing narratives about immigration.
Nissa RheeJanuary 22, 2020
Serbian home style cooking brought to life on Chicago’s North Side
After coming to the United States, the Jeftenic family faced layoffs, illness, and homelessness before opening the Astoria Bakery and Cafe.
Michelle KanaarJanuary 15, 2020
Four ways to experience Iranian culture during the conflict
With the United States and Iran trading attacks, Chicagoans should take this as an opportunity to learn more about Iranian history and art, says Narimon Safavi.
Sarah ConwayJanuary 8, 2020
Borderless Magazine’s best stories of 2019
Executive director Nissa Rhee shares some of her favorite stories of the year.
Nissa RheeDecember 31, 2019
Indian and Mexican flavors meet in Pilsen
Casa Indigo’s owner combines the cuisine of his two families
Michelle KanaarDecember 4, 2019
How the US built the world’s largest immigrant detention system
A special excerpt from César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández's forthcoming book "Migrating to Prison: America’s Obsession with Locking Up Immigrants"
César Cuauhtémoc García HernándezNovember 27, 2019
Funding cuts under Trump are forcing clinics and organizations that serve refugees to close
After fleeing war, many refugees who come to Chicago face new traumas in a city that had nearly 3,000 shooting victims last year. But the health services that once existed to support them are now being gutted.
Nissa RheeNovember 20, 2019
