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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Yolande Sanvi
She was a software engineer, now she teaches African hairstyling to help others live the American dream.
Sarah LuyengiMay 26, 2023
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
‘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
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
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
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
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
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
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’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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
‘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
“¿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
“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
“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
‘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
‘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
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
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
“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
“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
‘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
“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
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
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
Cómo es que una red de esfuerzos coordinados alimenta a Chicago
Por casi un año durante la pandemia global, el Grocery Run Club ha abastecido con productos frescos y otras necesidades a miembros de la comunidad de todo Chicago. Sus organizadores no planean detenerse.
April AlonsoMay 12, 2021
How a Network of Coordinated Grocery Runs Is Feeding Chicago
For nearly a year during the global pandemic, Grocery Run Club has supplied community members across Chicago with fresh produce and other necessities. Its organizers have no plans to stop.
April AlonsoMay 12, 2021
How a Social Worker is Centering Immigrant Survivors of Violence
Chicago organizer Carolina Gallo provides support to survivors of domestic abuse who are often failed by — or fearful of — existing systems.
April AlonsoMay 11, 2021
Cómo es que una trabajadora social se centra en ayudar a las inmigrantes sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica
Carolina Gallo es una organizadora comunitaria en Chicago que ayuda a las sobrevivientes de abuso doméstico quienes muchas veces, son defraudadas por los sistemas existentes o les tienen miedo.
April AlonsoMay 11, 2021
Dejados atrás: cómo la deportación afecta a una madre de Chicago y a sus 6 hijos
Una madre de Chicago explica cómo la condena de 15 años de su marido provocó tres deportaciones y una familia destrozada.
Rita OcegueraApril 27, 2021
Left behind: How deportation affects a Chicago mother and her 6 kids
A Chicago mother explains how her husband’s 15-year-old conviction led to three deportations and a family torn apart.
Rita OcegueraApril 27, 2021
Luchando en Michigan por los derechos de los inmigrantes indocumentados
Gema Lowe, quien hace 30 años emigró de México a Estados Unidos, describe su recorrido como defensora en Grand Rapids de los inmigrantes indocumentados.
Emma Glassman-HughesApril 21, 2021
Bringing the Fight for Undocumented Immigrant Rights to Michigan
Gema Lowe, who migrated from Mexico to America 30 years ago, describes her journey as an advocate for undocumented immigrant in Grand Rapids.
Emma Glassman-HughesApril 21, 2021
Lidiando con el conflicto de Tigray a un océano de distancia
A medida que el conflicto de Tigray continúa en Etiopía, el chef de Chicago, Tigist Reda, se queda con más preguntas que respuestas.
Sarah LuyengiApril 13, 2021
Coping with the Tigray Conflict an Ocean Away
As human rights abuses continue in Ethiopia, Chicago chef Tigist Reda is among the many Ethiopians in the U.S. who are left with more questions than answers.
Sarah LuyengiApril 7, 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
من فلسطين إلى فلسطين الصغيرة في شيكاغو
.منظّم مثليّ سامر عويضة حول كيفية ربط النضالات العالميّة ضدّ الاضطهاد بالتحرّكات المحليّة في سبيل التغيير
Ata YounanJanuary 5, 2021
From Palestine to Chicago’s Little Palestine
Queer organizer Samer Owaida on how to link global struggles against oppression to local movements for change.
Ata YounanJanuary 5, 2021
Hazardous Conditions, Low Wages and a Pandemic: One Undocumented Cleaner’s Story
Over half of the workers keeping offices and stores clean in the United States are immigrants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their job has become more essential than ever.
Sebastián González de LeónNovember 11, 2020
Condiciones peligrosas, salarios bajos y una pandemia: Una trabajadora de limpieza indocumentada cuenta su historia
Alrededor de la mitad de los trabajadores que mantienen limpias las tiendas y oficinas de los Estados Unidos son inmigrantes. Ahora que vivimos una pandemia de COVID-19, su labor se ha hecho más esencial que antes.
Sebastián González de LeónNovember 11, 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
An Immigration Attorney on Protecting the Rights of Asylum Seekers
From volunteer to a lawyer, Linda Rivas is fighting the uphill battle for immigration reform.
Claudia HernándezOctober 8, 2020
Una abogada de inmigración lucha por los derechos de los refugiados
De voluntaria a abogada, Linda Rivas lucha en la batalla cuesta arriba de las reformas de inmigración.
Claudia HernándezOctober 8, 2020
Beneficiario de DACA lucha por sus sueños
Después de ser detenido por las autoridades de inmigración, un inmigrante mexicano de 27 años encuentra la oportunidad de obtener educación con el programa de Consideración de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia, también conocido como DACA.
Claudia HernándezSeptember 23, 2020
A DACA Recipient on Fighting for His Dreams
After being detained by immigration authorities, a 27-year-old Mexican immigrant finds a chance for an education with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program.
Claudia HernándezSeptember 23, 2020
Diciendo Adiós al Sueño Americano
Cuando Tomás Díaz, de 36 años, vivía en Estados Unidos trabajaba 17 horas al día y tenía gastos impensables.
Claudia HernándezSeptember 9, 2020
Walking Away from the American Dream
For 36-year-old Tomás Díaz, living in America meant 17-hour work days and unthinkable expenses.
Claudia HernándezSeptember 9, 2020
Cómo elegir un durazno durante COVID
Más de la mitad de los trabajadores de agricultura en los Estados Unidos no tienen seguro médico. Eso puede ser un riesgo con COVID.
How to Pick a Peach During COVID
Over half of farmworkers in the United States have no health insurance. That can be a liability during the pandemic.
Un estudiante mexicano sin hogar experimenta racismo y falta de oportunidades mientras intenta estudiar en los Estados Unidos
Lupita vino a los Estados Unidos y empezó a estudiar periodismo, pero debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 ahora se encuentra sin hogar.
Claudia HernándezAugust 12, 2020
Racism, Homelessness and a Lack of Opportunities: A Mexican Student’s Struggle to Stay in the US
Lupita came to the U.S. and started studying journalism but she’s now homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Claudia HernándezAugust 12, 2020
Former “King of Pickpockets” Finds New Life in Sheltering Deported Migrants
Jesús “El Caracol” Tavizón Rodriguez has housed and fed thousands of immigrants in his shelter in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico over the last 20 years.
Claudia HernándezJuly 29, 2020
El “Rey de los Carteristas” Encuentra una Nueva Vocación en Ayudar a Inmigrantes Deportados
Jesús “El Caracol” Tavizón Rodríguez le ha proporcionado comida y sustento a miles de inmigrantes en su albergue en Ciudad Juárez, México los últimos 20 años.
Claudia HernándezJuly 29, 2020
Atún, Sopa Instantánea y Cuatro Galones de Agua: Lo Que es Durar Ocho Días Cruzando el Desierto Hacia los Estados Unidos
La primera en una serie de postales de la frontera es de un joven de 24 años llamado Toño, el recuerda su trayectoria desde México hacia Estados Unidos.
Claudia HernándezJuly 22, 2020
Tuna, Ramen and Four Gallons of Water: What it’s Like to Spend Eight Days Crossing the Desert into the U.S.
The first in a series of Postcards from the Border is from 24-year-old Toño, who recounts his journey from Mexico to the United States.
Claudia HernándezJuly 22, 2020
Dispatches from COVID-19: Batswana Immigrant Finds New Ways To Give And Grow
Mmapula Miller lost her restaurant job due to the pandemic but is now using her time to help other African immigrants in Chicago.
Mmapula MillerJuly 1, 2020
“I was Overwhelmed with Joy and Relief”: A DACA Recipient Reacts to Supreme Court’s Decision to Protect DACA
For Mexican immigrant Selina Armenta, today’s Supreme Court decision on DACA means that her life can remain stable a little longer.
Francisco VelazquezJune 18, 2020
Young, African and refugee
After fleeing conflict, young Africans who come to Chicago find themselves navigating a city struggling with racism, inequity and violence. Here are three of their stories.
“Every dream I have is that he will be here with me”
For one Chicago teacher, Trump’s Travel Ban has meant living a continent away from her Syrian husband.
Nissa RheeFebruary 19, 2020
The fight to release Beto
After ICE detained Jesus Alberto “Beto” Lopez Gutierrez on his drive home from camping, his family has banded together to challenge his detention and deportation.
Irene RomuloJanuary 29, 2020
‘This is an abolitionist struggle’
Two local organizers tell Borderless Magazine just what’s at stake with keeping migrant children shelters open in Chicago.
