As Told To Archives – Borderless Magazine NFP

Rocio Villalva looks at Omar Contreras while reviewing a video with Omar Contreras at Dulce De Leech Cafecito in Roscoe Village on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

How a DACA Recipient Built a Business, While Navigating DACA Uncertainty

Despite barriers to attending college as an undocumented immigrant, this DACA recipient paved her own career path as a content creator to uplift immigrant-owned businesses in Chicago.

Aydali CampaJune 15, 2026

Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an ER physician in Chicago, poses for a photo outside in Little Palestine, in Bridgeview, IL

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

As Told To Latest Top Stories

Inside Gaza’s Hospitals: Chicago Doctor Reflects on His Mission Amid An Ongoing Crisis

Dr. Thaer Ahmad spent years traveling to Gaza as a volunteer physician prior to 2023. Now, he continues to treat patients in Chicago’s South Side while advocating for Palestine’s healthcare workers.

Tara MobasherMay 15, 2026

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

As Told To Immigration Policy Top Stories Visuals

‘It Was An Act Of Solidarity’: A Community Health Worker’s Mission to Adapt Care During Midway Blitz

At the height of Operation Midway Blitz, Diana Martinez moved her community support groups online to continue providing essential care.

Camilla ForteMarch 26, 2026

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

As Told To Latest Top Stories Visuals

‘We Can’t Live in Fear’: How a Cafe Owner Showed up for Community and Himself

When Operation Midway Blitz put a target on Latino-owned businesses, Ozzy Gámez refused to stay at home.

Camilla ForteMarch 12, 2026

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

As Told To Immigration Policy Latest Organizing Top Stories Visuals

‘We Have Each Other’s Backs’: An Environmental Organizer Sets His Sights on ICE

David Barboza has spent years fighting pollution on the Southeast Side of Chicago. But when Donald Trump was re-elected in 2025, he saw a new threat to his community: immigrant deportations.

Camilla ForteMarch 5, 2026

Illustration by Jen Chavez for Borderless Magazine

As Told To Immigration Policy Latest Top Stories

Between Two Countries: Inside A Venezuelan Woman’s Journey To Find Safety

Fearing deportation in Chicago, a Venezuelan national returned to her home country, but Maduro’s capture made her once again uncertain about her future and safety.

Aydali CampaFebruary 3, 2026

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

As Told To Latest Top Stories

Drawing Inspiration From Mentors, This Undocumented Artist Is Rekindling Her Passion

The 23-year-old never thought she could become an artist — but that changed when she met other Latino creatives.

Katrina PhamDecember 18, 2025

Lebanese interior architect Toufic Alayyash, seen with his sketch book on his lap, sits inside his home office on Nov. 10, 2025.

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

As Told To Featured

How a Queer, Lebanese Immigrant Found His Home

Toufic’s journey to the U.S. wasn’t just about economic opportunity — it was about survival and freedom to live authentically.

Aydali CampaDecember 11, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Labor and Economics

From a Cup Of Coffee With My Father to Brewing a Business: The Story of Mai Coffee

After the passing of his father, Alan Phung discovered his roots through coffee.

Fatema HosseiniJune 5, 2025

Oscar Gomez/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Environment and Health

How a Latino Psychologist Aims to Break Mental Health Stigmas in Immigrant Communities

Dr. Ricardo Camacho, founder of Salud, spoke to Borderless about the importance of mental health support through community connection.

Tara MobasherMay 30, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Immigration Policy

Fleeing Hardship, Building a Dream: The Story Behind Chicago’s Beloved Shokolad Cafe

After leaving Ukraine with little more than faith and determination, Halyana Fedus built a life serving food and hope to her Chicago community.

Fatema HosseiniApril 24, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Immigration Policy

After Fleeing War, a Family Preserved Their Polish Heritage in a Belmont Cragin Home

Christopher Lorenc’s family lived in displacement camps after fleeing war-torn Poland. They resettled and made their home a haven for other Polish immigrants in Chicago.

Fatema HosseiniFebruary 25, 2025

Oscar Gomez/Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Rwanda Refugee Guides Newcomers Starting New Lives in Chicago: ‘I’m in the Right Place’

David spent most of his childhood in a Zimbabwe refugee camp before resettling in the United States. He now helps refugees start a new life in Chicago.

Aydali CampaFebruary 11, 2025

Photo illustration by Max Herman/Borderless Magazine. Photos by Max Herman/Borderless Magazine and Efrain Soriano for Borderless Magazine. Map from Canva.

As Told To Visuals

Leaving Venezuela: ‘The Only Option for Us Was the United States’

Six migrant families shared their journey from Central and South America to start a new life in Chicago.

Jonathan Torres and Martha ContrerasNovember 19, 2024

Arts & Culture As Told To

Palestinian American Poet Teaches Cross-stitching to Unite Her Community: ‘Tatreez Is My Culture’

Bayan Fares learned Palestinian cross-stitching when she was 10. Now, she teaches others the traditional form of Palestinian embroidery to preserve this art form amid an ongoing war in her homeland.

Tara MobasherOctober 15, 2024

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture As Told To

From the Garage to the Drive-in: Preserving Lowrider Culture in Chicago

Pedro Cisneros didn’t expect to start a lowrider club when he left Texas. That changed when Chicago became his home.

Max HermanOctober 3, 2024

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

As Told To

I Helped My Immigrant Parents Buy A Home. Now I Help Families Become Homeowners

Gerardo Revelo helped his parents navigate the homeownership process when he was younger. He now guides hundreds of families on the home-buying journey.

Tara MobasherAugust 29, 2024

Photo illustration and photo by Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Labor and Economics

How an Immigrant Family Bought a Home With the Help of a Chicago Nonprofit

After leaving Mexico with her family, Erika Ayala and her husband spent a decade working to buy a home. The Resurrection Project helped them navigate the challenges undocumented immigrants face to become homeowners.

Martha ContrerasAugust 27, 2024

Jesus J. Montero for Borderless Magazine

As Told To Immigration Policy

Leaving Venezuela: Omar and Alejandra’s Search for a Better Life

Over two years ago, migrants from South and Central America started arriving in Chicago by bus and planes. Here are two of their stories.

Valentina Parra and Gabe BayerJuly 8, 2024

J. Daniel Hud for Borderless Magazine

As Told To Immigration Policy

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

Mustafa Hussain for Borderless Magazine

As Told To Immigration Policy

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

Martine Séverin for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Agnes Kanjinga, azali moto ya mayele

A longwe na Congo mpo na kokima mobulu oyo ezali kokoba. Mpo na koluka ndako ya libateli mpo na bana na ye, ayaki na Chicago mpe a zwaki lisanga na ye.

Sayou CooperMay 14, 2024

Saleha Soadat for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Defying Gravity: An Afghan’s Journey to Get His Pilot License

Najibullah Amini overcame ethnic discrimination, poverty and the oppressive Taliban regime to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot.

Saleha SoadatJanuary 22, 2024

A Eritrean man poses for a photo with his three sons in the Rogers Park neighborhood in Chicago.

Gonzalo Guzman for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

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

William Estrada for Borderless Magazine

As Told To Immigration Policy

Sheltered in a Chicago Fieldhouse, Migrants Dream of Better Future

Inside a temporary shelter in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, six migrant families share their memories of home, hopes for the future and what it is like living in tight quarters with 200 people.

Efrain SorianoAugust 30, 2023

Mustafa Hussain for Borderless Magazine

As Told To Visuals

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.

Saleha SoadatJuly 18, 2023

Martine Séverin for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

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.

Sarah LuyengiJune 15, 2023

Martine Séverin for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Jean Yves Hector

He traveled from Haiti to Chicago for his first art exhibition at 19. But when he had to leave Haiti in 2019, he made Chicago his home.

Sayou CooperJune 13, 2023

Martine Séverin for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

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.

Sayou CooperJune 9, 2023

Martine Séverin for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

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.

Vida OpokuJune 5, 2023

Martine Séverin for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Lillian Ingabire

She was born in a refugee camp. Now, she helps other girls who have been displaced build their own community.

Sarah LuyengiJune 1, 2023

Martine Séverin for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Yolande Sanvi

She was a software engineer, now she teaches African hairstyling to help others live the American dream.

Sarah LuyengiMay 26, 2023

four reporters in front of gray cement wall: Melody wearing a beige blazer Jesus in black jeans a black t-shrit and a jacket, Madison giving a thumbs up and Diane with glasses on her head

Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

As Told To

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

Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

As Told To

After The Buses: Meet The Migrants At The Center Of Texas’ Manufactured Crisis

Block Club Chicago and Borderless Magazine followed 10 of the thousands of Venezuelan migrants sent to Chicago as part of Texas Gov. Abbott’s political stunt this year.

Madison SavedraDecember 6, 2022

Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

As Told To

A Young Venezuelan Had Never Heard Of Chicago. Now, He’s Starting A Life Here.

Jhopsef Stiven spent years hopping countries in search of a better life. He's one of thousands of migrants starting over in Chicago with no family or knowledge of the city.

Alex V. HernandezDecember 4, 2022

Maikel wearing a black NVA jacket and smiling with fall leaves

Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

As Told To

Young Venezuelan Struggles To Build A Life And Pay Off Debt Of His Journey To America

Maikel Jose Tineo was hopeful about his new life in Chicago. But since he’s arrived, he's been stiffed by a job and watched his friend rushed to the emergency room. Now, he’s wondering if he should stay.

Madison SavedraDecember 4, 2022

Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

As Told To

A Venezuelan Father Came To America In Pursuit Of A Better Job To Support His Family. But He Had To Leave His Young Daughter Behind.

Yorvi Sánchez found friends in Chicago, but he isn’t looking forward to Christmas without his 7-year-old daughter. "Being able to help them from here is the whole reason I came here,” he said.

Alex V. HernandezDecember 3, 2022

Enrique Reyes/Block Club Chicago

As Told To

A Young Venezuelan Had A Simple Dream To Make Money And Travel. He Was On His Own For The First Time In His Life.

After being separated from his family at the border, Delwuins was alone for months in a suburban hotel, with little to do. Without a car or work permit, his options to make money were limited.

Madison SavedraDecember 3, 2022

Nolram wears a gray and white beanie with a black shirt and jacket and black fence behind him

Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

As Told To

A Young Father Survived A Deadly Journey To Provide For His Family. The Danger Didn’t End Once He Arrived In Chicago

Nolram Cardozo came to a shelter housing hundreds of single men. He made friends and found temp work, but his path took a turn for the worst when he was hospitalized.

Madison SavedraDecember 3, 2022

Jesus David Lucena Castillo looks at the back screen of a camera wearing a black puffy coat and cap

Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

As Told To

A Young Venezuelan Dreamed Of Being A Baseball Player. In Chicago, He Found A New Passion Behind A Camera

Jesus David Lucena Castillo has spent more than five years separated from his family. During Día de los Muertos, a friendly encounter changes his course in the city.

Colin BoyleDecember 3, 2022

Omar with a black turtleneck and beard and mustache standing on a sidewalk, lots of skyscrapers in the background

Jesus J. Montero for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

A Venezuelan Father’s Fight To Earn A Living For His Family: ‘I Was Tired Of Not Being Able To Provide For Them’

Denis “Omar” Covis traveled over 3,000 miles to find a job that would support his pregnant wife and children.

Jesus J. MonteroDecember 2, 2022

Tomas point to something in the sky while holding Grecia

Jonathan Aguilar for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

A Family’s Search For Home Again After Leaving Venezuela For Chicago

After years of living as migrants, Tomás Alvarado and Carmen Ollarves are starting over in Chicago with their young daughter.

Ambar ColónDecember 2, 2022

Max Herman for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture As Told To

Artist Remembers Migrants Who Died on Their Journey North

Arizona artist Alvaro Enciso has spent years of his life leaving crosses in the desert for migrants who died while traveling to the United States.

Max HermanOctober 27, 2022

A woman looks back over her shoulder and a blue bird faces her

Illustration by Anna Mielniczuk for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

She Fought to Get An Education in Afghanistan. Now This Student is Finding Hope at DePaul University.

Sara and 147 other female students were evacuated from Kabul University after the Taliban took over the Afghan government in August 2021.

Saleha SoadatSeptember 28, 2022

A woman with a green jacket and a butterfly is dancing

Illustration by Anna Mielniczuk for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Fleeing Suicide Attacks, an Afghan Student Finds Freedom in Chicago

Maryam and 147 other female students waited at the Kabul airport for days before they could escape Afghanistan.

Saleha SoadatSeptember 27, 2022

J Saxon swings a disco ball dressed in a traditional pink Bolivian suit

Jonathan Aguilar/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Labor and Economics

This Queer Bolivian American Wants To Be Chicago’s Next Mayor

J Saxon says their mixed identities represent Chicagoans who don’t always have a say in politics.

Youcef O. BounabAugust 24, 2022

Saleha Soadat interviews former Afghan district governor Salima Mazari on a couch

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

As Told To

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

Diana Solis in her home with paintings and chess set

Jonathan Aguilar/Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Through COVID and Gentrification, Diana Solís Captures Pilsen’s Resilience

The longtime Pilsen resident will release a new, bilingual photography book this fall.

Michelle KanaarJuly 28, 2022

Salima Mazari looking out the window of her current home

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

As Told To

This Female Afghan Governor Fought Against the Taliban

Salima Mazari was one of just three women serving as a district governor in Afghanistan before the Taliban took over.

Saleha SoadatJuly 7, 2022

Naheed Farid with a red scarf and trees behind her

Photo by Shuran Huang For Borderless Magazine

As Told To Broken-Winged Birds: Afghans in Exile

An Exiled Afghan Politician Keeps Fighting for Women

Naheed Farid was elected to the Afghan House of Representatives as one of its youngest members. Now exiled in Maryland, she continues to advocate for women in Afghanistan.

Saleha SoadatJune 28, 2022

Shuran Huang for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

An Afghan Lawmaker Fights for Justice While Exiled in the U.S.

Mahdi Rasikh went from weaving carpets in a refugee camp to representing his hometown in Afghanistan’s Parliament. But after the Taliban took over, Rasikh had to escape to the U.S.

Saleha SoadatJune 2, 2022

Photo by Bjorn Normann Jr.

As Told To

An Afghan Journalist’s Escape from the Taliban

Last August, after U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan, journalist Saleha Soadat was forced to leave her life in Kabul and seek safety abroad.

Saleha SoadatMarch 30, 2022

As Told To

‘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

Photo courtesy of Gerber/Hart Library and Archives

Arts & Culture As Told To

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

Sebastian Hidalgo for Borderless Magazine

As Told To Organizing

Keeping the Faith: The Woman Who Started the Sanctuary Movement

Elvira Arellano retells the story of when she took a stand to fight for her son and her work to protect undocumented immigrants.

Leslie HurtadoFebruary 15, 2022

Photo by Hillary Bachelder

As Told To

The Lasting Impact of Trump’s Muslim Ban

Five years after President Trump enacted the Muslim travel ban, Chicago immigrants share how their lives were changed by the policy.

Ata YounanFebruary 8, 2022

Arts & Culture As Told To

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

Photo by Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Our Favorite As-Told-To Stories of 2021

From organizers to artists, Borderless Magazine worked with immigrants in 2021 to tell their stories, their way.

Borderless Magazine StaffDecember 29, 2021

As Told To

Las impresiones de Carlos Barberena son testamentos humanizadores de historias de inmigrantes

Antes de su nueva exposición en Milwaukee, el artista que actualmente reside en Chicago habla sobre su trabajo y la democracia radical del arte del grabado.

Kerry CardozaDecember 10, 2021

Carlos Barberena

Arts & Culture As Told To Labor and Economics Organizing

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

Organizer and pastor Emma Lozano, wearing a black hoodie, poses in front of a mural that depicts Chicago mayor Harold Washington and Lozano’s brother, Rudy Lozano.

As Told To Immigration Policy

El movimiento del santuario 15 años después

La pastora de Chicago Emma Lozano analiza el movimiento para mantener a los inmigrantes indocumentados con sus familias y una exhibición relacionada con la MCA.

Michelle KanaarDecember 6, 2021

As Told To Organizing

The Sanctuary Movement 15 Years On

Chicago pastor Emma Lozano discusses the movement to keep undocumented immigrants with their families and a related MCA exhibit.

Michelle KanaarNovember 23, 2021

Photo courtesy of Dr. Siham Ibrahim

As Told To Immigration Policy

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

Photo courtesy of Dr. Siham Ibrahim

Arts & Culture As Told To Education

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

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Conozca al propietario de Kim’s Corner Food, un supermercado de Chicago, donde collages tapizan las paredes

Thomas Kong, nacido en Corea del Norte, emigró a Estados Unidos en busca de oportunidades. Ahora, tiene una profesión distinta: propietario de una tienda de conveniencia y artista.

Claire VoonOctober 5, 2021

Arts & Culture As Told To Labor and Economics

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

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Un aclamado restaurante persa en Lincoln Park se mantiene fuerte

Para el propietario Max Pars del restaurante persa Pars Cove ubicado en Lincoln Park, el COVID-19 ha sido el mayor desafío en sus cuatro décadas en la industria de los restaurantes.

Daniel KonstantinoSeptember 15, 2021

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Labor and Economics

A Beloved Persian Restaurant in Lincoln Park Stays Strong

Max Pars, owner of Pars Cove, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has been the biggest challenge in his four decades in the restaurant industry.

Daniel KonstantinoSeptember 9, 2021

Ørkenoy, beer, restaurant, brewery, Humboldt Park, Jonny Ifergan, Briana Hestad, Ryan Sanders

Camilla Forte

Arts & Culture As Told To

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

Camilla Forte

As Told To Environment and Health Labor and Economics

Humboldt Park Brewery Reflects on the Pandemic

Supported by grants and loans, the Nordic brewery Ørkenoy now looks to become a Humboldt Park community hub.

Mark DovichAugust 25, 2021

Eugenia Galvan, Mexican, mole, food, recipe, Chicago, restaurant

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To

El restaurante mexicano, ubicado en North Center Chicago, atrae a los habitantes de toda la ciudad

Mi Fogata: La galardonada propietaria de un restaurante mexicano está adaptándose a la pandemia de COVID con el apoyo de los habitantes de Chicago en North Center y otros lugares.

Alexander ShurAugust 12, 2021

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Environment and Health Labor and Economics

North Center Mexican Restaurant Draws Chicagoans From Across City

Mi Fogata: An award-winning Mexican restaurant owner is weathering the COVID pandemic with support from Chicagoans in North Center and beyond.

Alexander ShurAugust 10, 2021

Russian Tea Time, Mantyyeva, Loop, restaurant

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Russian Tea Time, ubicado en la calle Loop, ha vuelto

Para Altyn y Enesh Mantyyeva, copropietarias del icónico restaurante Russian Tea Time de Chicago, servir los platos de su infancia no es solo un negocio, es una responsabilidad personal.

Mark DovichAugust 9, 2021

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Environment and Health Labor and Economics

The Loop’s Russian Tea Time is Back

For Altyn and Enesh Mantyyeva, co-owners of the iconic Chicago restaurant Russian Tea Time, serving the dishes of their childhood isn’t just business — it’s a personal responsibility.

Mark DovichAugust 5, 2021

Lakeview, brunch, bacon, breakfast, restaurant, food, immigrant, pandemic, ube, coffee, Wake 'N Bacon, Ayala, Instagram

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Mag

As Told To

Wake ‘N Bacon, ubicado en Lakeview, usa Instagram para sobrevivir a la pandemia

Con el conocimiento de las redes sociales, los propietarios del lugar de brunch y restaurante Wake 'N Bacon han cumplido su sueño, incluso en medio de la pandemia de COVID-19.

Izzy StroobandtAugust 3, 2021

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Mag

As Told To Environment and Health Labor and Economics

Lakeview’s Wake ‘N Bacon Uses Instagram to Survive the Pandemic

With social media savvy, owners of brunch spot Wake 'N Bacon have held onto their dream — even in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Izzy StroobandtJuly 28, 2021

immigrant, restaurant, pandemic, business, board game, Athena, Gonzalez, Rogers Park, Chicago, cafe

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To

Inaugurado durante la pandemia, Athena Board Game Cafe de Rogers Park encuentra su lugar

Después de años en el mundo empresarial, Patricia González decidió seguir su proyecto que le apasionaba en Chicago. González abrió Athena Board Game Cafe justo cuando la ciudad estaba cerrando debido al COVID-19.

Maria AriasJuly 28, 2021

5 Rabanitos, restaurant, Mexican, Pilsen, Sotelo, Chicago, immigrant, pandemic, food, industry, pandemic, community

Photo by Kelly Milan for Borderless Magazine

As Told To

El restaurante 5 Rabanitos, ubicado en Pilsen, sobrevive a la pandemia con el apoyo de la comunidad

El restaurante mexicano y la taquería del chef Alfonso Sotelo, 5 Rabanitos, tiene sus raíces en la familia.

Kelly MilanJuly 21, 2021

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Environment and Health Labor and Economics

Launched During COVID, Rogers Park’s Athena Board Game Cafe Finds Its Footing

After years in the corporate world, Patricia Gonzalez decided to pursue her passion project in Chicago. She opened it right when the city was shutting down due to COVID-19.

Maria AriasJuly 21, 2021

Photo by Kelly Milan for Borderless Magazine

As Told To Environment and Health Labor and Economics

5 Rabanitos Restaurant in Pilsen Survives Pandemic With Community Support

Chef Alfonso Sotelo’s Mexican restaurant and taqueria, 5 Rabanitos, is rooted in family.

Kelly MilanJuly 20, 2021

Cesar Izquierdo, who owns Taste of Peru in Rogers Park, sits in his empty restaurant in Chicago Ill. on June 30, 2021.

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Environment and Health Investigation Labor and Economics

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

mental health, immigrant, Coss, Mexican, family, pandemic

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To

‘Como inmigrante, tus oportunidades son limitadas’

Un inmigrante mexicano residente del barrio de Albany Park en Chicago, reflexiona sobre las presiones para mantener a su familia durante la pandemia.

Esperanza SandovalJune 30, 2021

Photo courtesy of Admira Duldanic

As Told To

“¿Cuánto puede soportar un ser humano?”

Una joven de Bosnia reflexiona sobre la travesía de su familia a los Estados Unidos y su lucha personal con el COVID-19.

Dominique TorresJune 30, 2021

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Environment and Health Labor and Economics

“As An Immigrant, You Have Limited Opportunities”

A Mexican immigrant in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood reflects on the pressures to support his family during the pandemic.

Esperanza SandovalJune 24, 2021

Photo courtesy of Admira Duldanic

As Told To Environment and Health

“How Much Can One Human Endure?”

A young Bosnian woman reflects on her family’s journey to the United States and her personal fight with COVID-19.

Dominique TorresJune 23, 2021

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Environment and Health Labor and Economics

Mis Moles’ Chef Struggling to Recover from Pandemic

Legendary Mexican chef Geno Bahena is dealing with long-haul COVID, staff shortages and financial strains at his mole restaurant.

Alexander ShurJune 16, 2021

Korean, immigrant, care, help, community, nurse, Chicago, Albany Park, center

Photo courtesy of Helen Um

As Told To

‘El cuidado es para todos’

Una enfermera coreana habla sobre por qué fundó en Chicago un centro que da atención médica a los inmigrantes.

Ashley J. ChongJune 14, 2021

Illustration by Mike Centeno

As Told To Environment and Health Visuals

Meet the Youth Behind the General Iron Campaign

Meet the youth behind the campaign against General Iron and the makers of our new comic book, “Reclaiming the Sacrifice Zone.”

Borderless Magazine StaffJune 8, 2021

Photo courtesy of Helen Um

As Told To

‘Care is for Everyone’

A Korean nurse on why she founded a Chicago center that provides health care for immigrants.

Ashley J. ChongMay 26, 2021

Mexican, undocumented, food, industry, cooking, family, queer, Chicago, community, chef, Pilsen, restaurant, meals

Brian Herrera for Borderless Magazine/CatchLight Local

As Told To

Musicians Who Make Good Neighbors

Chicago band Quinto Imperio, whose members grew up in a predominantly immigrant neighborhood, has never stopped supporting its community while chasing its ambitions — even through the pandemic.

Brian HerreraMay 20, 2021

Brian Herrera for Borderless Magazine/CatchLight Local

As Told To

Músicos que son buenos vecinos

La banda de Chicago Quinto Imperio, cuyos integrantes crecieron en un barrio predominantemente inmigrante, nunca ha dejado de apoyar a su comunidad mientras persigue sus sueños, incluso durante la pandemia.

Brian HerreraMay 20, 2021

Brian Herrera for Borderless Magazine/CatchLight Local

As Told To

“Este trabajo es mi llamado”: Una vendedora de tamales se aferra a su barrio

Cuando la pandemia golpeó a su comunidad en La Villita, Elizeth Arguelles, emprendedora y beneficiaria de DACA originaria de Chicago, duplicó su trabajo comunitario.

Brian HerreraMay 19, 2021

Brian Herrera for Borderless Magazine/CatchLight Local

As Told To

“This Work Calls Me”: A Tamale Vendor Embraces Her Streets

When the pandemic struck her community in Little Village, Chicago, self-made entrepreneur and DACA recipient Elizeth Arguelles doubled down on her community care.

Brian HerreraMay 19, 2021

Brian Herrera for Borderless Magazine/CatchLight Local

As Told To

‘Me encanta que mi cocina reúna a la gente’

Cómo es ser un chef queer e indocumentado en Chicago durante la pandemia del COVID-19.

Brian HerreraMay 18, 2021

Brian Herrera for Borderless Magazine/CatchLight Local

As Told To

“I Love that My Cooking Brings People Together”

What it’s like to be a queer, undocumented chef in Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brian HerreraMay 18, 2021

gender-based, violence, domestic, femme, Little Village, Chicago, Pilsen, community, care, protection, survivors, immigrant, strength, safety, food , housing, garden, La Ruda Farm, Femme Defensa

Photo by April Alonso for Borderless Magazine/ CatchLight Local

As Told To

Cómo un grupo de mujeres ‘femme’ trabaja para ayudar al prójimo

Formada por tres latinxs que se identifican como femme , Femme Defensa está abordando la falta de apoyo por parte del gobierno en los barrios de Pilsen y La Villita de Chicago ayudando directamente a los más necesitados.

April AlonsoMay 13, 2021

Photo by April Alonso for Borderless Magazine/ CatchLight Local

As Told To

How a Femme Liberation Collective is Practicing Community Care

Formed by three Latinx femmes, Femme Defensa is addressing a lack of government aid in the Chicago neighborhoods of Pilsen and Little Village through direct community care.

April AlonsoMay 13, 2021