How to Get Free Birth Control Regardless of Immigration Status in Illinois
A state program gives access to temporary coverage for reproductive health services, including birth control and STD testing.
Katrina PhamJune 10, 2024
After Decades of Disinvestment, Black and Latino Leaders Want ‘Profound Transformation’ Amid Migrant Crisis
Although tensions have flared throughout the humanitarian crisis, Black and Brown leaders see an opportunity to unite and advocate for Chicago’s South and West Sides.
Deborah D. DouglasApril 29, 2024
Federal Judge Approves $12 Million Settlement Over Botched Hilco Implosion
Despite the settlement, Little Village residents still worry about the long-term health impacts of the implosion and the diesel trucks coming from the new warehouse.
Aydali CampaApril 22, 2024
Chicago Approves Weekly Reports On Migrant Shelter Evictions
Under the new ordinance, city departments must make public weekly reports on migrant evictions starting in May.
Katrina PhamApril 17, 2024
Resource Guides for Immigrants in Chicago
From food assistance to mental health support, we compiled all of our resource guides in one place.
Borderless Magazine StaffApril 15, 2024
Chicago Officials Confirm TB Cases at Migrant Shelters
The cases add to the mounting concerns about health conditions at the city’s migrant shelters following the death of a 5-year-old and an outbreak of measles cases.
Hilco Must Pay Little Village Residents $12.25 Million Settlement Over Botched Implosion
Little Village residents, property owners and anyone present during the Easter weekend implosion can submit a settlement claim by Tuesday, March 26.
Katrina PhamMarch 20, 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
CDC to Help Chicago After 4 Cases of Measles at Largest Migrant Shelter
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team would help city health officials manage measles cases across Chicago.
Mauricio PeñaMarch 11, 2024
Chicago’s Largest Migrant Shelter in Quarantine After Measles Case: ‘We Are Worried’
The case comes just months after a boy died of sepsis amid health concerns at the city-run shelter.
Mauricio PeñaMarch 8, 2024
Investigation: Chicago Ignored Dozens of Warnings of Migrant Shelter Conditions Before Child’s Death
Investigation: Chicago Ignored Dozens of Warnings of Migrant Shelter Conditions Before Child’s Death
Despite warnings, numerous hospitalizations and dozens of reports, Chicago officials continuously funneled thousands of migrants into an industrial warehouse that was never meant to house people.
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
What Cicero and Stickney Residents Need to Know About the Koppers Coal Tar Plant
Over the past decade, the Koppers coal tar plant, situated on the border of the town of Cicero and the village of Stickney, has been flagged for more than 50 violations of state environmental laws.
Koppers disputes most recent environmental violations but plant records reveal two decades of run-ins with Illinois EPA
After the Illinois EPA sent them a lengthy violations notice last fall, Koppers executives began selling stock at an unprecedented rate. After MuckRock and the Cicero Independiente reported on those violations, the publicly-traded company hired a crisis communications firm to meet with elected officials and manage the community fallout.
Oak Park Volunteers Search For Housing Solutions Amid Migrant Crisis
Chicago shelters house over 15,000 migrants. With eviction notices incoming, Oak Park and local volunteers are looking for solutions.
Katrina PhamFebruary 6, 2024
Chicago Aldermen Push For Accountability Amid Complaints of Mistreatment at Migrant Shelters
Aldermen called for a more transparent grievance process and accountability measures for Favorite Healthcare Staffing to ensure better treatment of migrants at shelters.
Katrina PhamFebruary 1, 2024
The Mental Health of Migrants Simmers Below the Surface as the Next Looming Crisis
Support groups are trying to address the obstacles to care, including language barriers and a persistent shortage of mental health workers.
Kristen Schorsch, WBEZJanuary 18, 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.
Cicero Residents Reeling From Summer Floods Blame City’s Poor Communication
As Cicero recovers from historic summer floods, some residents believe the city fell short in communicating support and resources for the town’s majority immigrant population.
Maia McDonaldJanuary 8, 2024
5-Year-Old Boy Dies After Falling Ill At Chicago’s Largest Migrant Shelter
The death of the boy comes just days after a Borderless investigation found inhumane living conditions at the shelter in Pilsen.
Mauricio PeñaDecember 18, 2023
Investigation: Migrants Describe Inhumane Conditions at Chicago’s Largest Shelter
Just days after Illinois Gov. Pritzker shut down a proposed shelter due to health concerns, Venezuelan migrants living in the Pilsen shelter say they are being treated “like dogs.’’
A Community-Led Approach to Stopping Flooding Expands
In a region where communities of color are most impacted by flooding, RainReady is bringing together community members to create flood mitigation plans.
Inundation and Injustice: Flooding presents a formidable threat to the Great Lakes region
Throughout the Great Lakes region, archaic wastewater systems, crumbling infrastructure and segregated housing create a perfect storm of flooding vulnerability.
Kari LydersenAugust 3, 2023
Here’s How to Access Immigrant Health Benefits Programs in Illinois Before The Enrollment Pause
Starting July 1, Illinois will limit access to programs that provide medical coverage for undocumented immigrants and low-income lawful permanent residents. Here’s what those programs do and how to enroll.
Katrina PhamJune 29, 2023
Immigrant Advocates Push for Healthy Illinois For All Bill
If passed, the bill would implement universal health insurance for low-income residents, regardless of immigration status.
Adriana Martinez-SmileyMay 19, 2023
As Public Health Emergency Ends, Community Resource Groups Work to Fill the Gap
As Gov. Pritzker declares an end to the public health emergency brought on by the pandemic and subsequent relief funds, four community-led efforts work to make sure their neighbors’ needs are still met.
Chelsea VerstegenMay 17, 2023
Bullying, Fights And A Mental Health Crisis: Marine Leadership Academy In Turmoil After Sex Abuse Scandal, Parents Say
On the heels of a wide-ranging sexual abuse scandal, parents of Marine Leadership Academy students say the school is in a state of chaos with widespread fights, bullying, drug and alcohol use and mental health struggles.
Mina BloomApril 3, 2023
As Flooding Increases, Chicago Looks to Make Basement Housing Safer
Chicago has experienced more frequent and severe storms in recent decades, putting immigrants and low income Chicagoans living in basement units at increased risk of flooding.
Siri ChilukuriDecember 20, 2022
Illinois Students Struggle to Find Halal Food
Despite a growing Muslim population in the Chicago area, few public schools offer students halal food options.
Tasmiha KhanNovember 16, 2022
End of Roe v. Wade brings new challenges for AAPI community
Reproductive justice advocate Joy Pettigrew talks about barriers to abortion for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Youcef O. BounabJuly 20, 2022
Using Education to Overcome Health Care Barriers for Immigrants
The Immigrant Health Academy is helping Chicago area immigrants navigate the health care system and access funding for their medical bills.
Leslie HurtadoMay 19, 2022
North Side’s East African Businesses Struggling with Rising Costs, COVID
Despite financial challenges, these Chicago shops are surviving with help from Ethiopian, Somali and other East African immigrant communities.
Sayou CooperMay 11, 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
How The Chicago School Fight Impacts First-Gen High School Students
Caught in the crossfire between Chicago’s school district and the teachers union, students ask who is protecting their health.
Leslie HurtadoJanuary 11, 2022
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
FAQ: What You Need to Know About COVID Vaccines in Immigrant Detention Centers
A confusing rollout has left many immigrants detained by ICE relying on local governments to get a COVID vaccine.
Adriana RezalOctober 13, 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
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
As Chicago Schools Reopen, Hispanic Families Seek Support
Remote learning exposed cracks in the CPS system, hurting some students more than others. Are schools prepared for their return?
Adriana RezalAugust 31, 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
Portraits of Chicago Street Vendors After a Year of Crisis
Photographer Natalie Garcia visits immigrant-run street vendors on Chicago’s Northwest Side that have persisted through the pandemic.
Natalie GarciaAugust 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
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’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
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
As COVID-19 Spread Through Midwest Detention Centers, ICE Struggled to Provide Accurate Data
Inaccessible and inconsistent, statistics publicly reported by the enforcement agency contribute to its systemic mishandling of COVID-19 — underscoring a clear need for greater oversight, researchers say.
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
“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
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
From Streetscape To Pandemic To CTA Rebuild, Asia On Argyle Businesses Fight To Survive
La orden de quedarse en casa y las reglas de capacidad reducida presentadas durante la pandemia del COVID-19, son solo algunas de las batallas que enfrentan propietarios de negocios como Quang Minh Lê y LoanTh'Thu Nguyễn, dueños del restaurante Phở Loan.
Woojae Julia SongMay 24, 2021
A Pandemic Pivot: Uptown Chef Launches Virtual Indian Restaurant To Stay Safe And Keep Cooking
Fueled by a love of cooking and economic necessity, out-of-work chefs like Jasmine Sheth have launched restaurants without brick-and-mortar locations during the pandemic.
Woojae Julia SongApril 8, 2021
Hospitality On Hold: How One Timeless Uptown Diner Was Interrupted By The Pandemic
With insufficient federal financial relief, restaurants like Uptown's Golden House have had to lay off staff, adapt to constantly changing policies, risk their health daily and make painful decisions in an effort to stay open.
Here’s How You Can Get Vaccinated Against Coronavirus In Chicago
Here's where, how and when you can get vaccinated against COVID-19 in Chicago.
Kelly BauerMarch 10, 2021
Little Village Businesses Can Apply For Up To $3,000 Micro-Grants
Along with financial assistance, the Road to Recovery program offers technical help for businesses struggling during the pandemic.
Mauricio PeñaMarch 9, 2021
More Than 1,000 People Line Up For Community-Led Vaccination Effort In Little Village: ‘A Very Important Moment’
The pop-up vaccinated 1,000 Little Village residents Sunday. It was held at a community location in hopes of eliminating barriers, organizers said.
Mauricio PeñaMarch 5, 2021
With Anti-Asian Attacks On The Rise, Webinar Teaches Bystanders How To Help
During the past few months, Catherine Shieh has been leading bystander intervention trainings over Zoom to help stem the rise in anti-Asian attacks throughout the country.
Esther Yoon-Ji KangMarch 2, 2021
‘COVID Jungle’ Report Highlights Experiences of Manufacturing, Warehouse Workers Amid Pandemic
When Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a stay-at-home order in March 2020, closing nonessential businesses and encouraging people to work from home, Little Village resident Estrella Hernandez continued to report to her temporary job at a west suburban warehouse.
Kristen ThometzFebruary 16, 2021
Latinx Community Leaders Work to Overcome COVID Vaccine Hesitancy
Activists are addressing low vaccination rates within Latinx communities, but they face major hurdles from conspiracy theories to distrust of the government.
Yilun ChengFebruary 3, 2021
How Promotoras De Salud Are Fighting Vaccine Conspiracies In Chicago’s Latino Communities
With few Spanish-language news outlets, Latino immigrants often rely on social media. But Martina Sanchez said those platforms have shared a lot of conspiracy theories and misinformation about COVID-19.
María Inés ZamudioJanuary 26, 2021
Tell us what you need as an essential worker
Essential workers have kept our economy going, now we want to hear what they need to keep going.
Borderless Magazine StaffJanuary 7, 2021
Teachers Double as Tech Help for Hispanic Families
Nearly half of Chicago school district students are Hispanic, yet families say help for Spanish-speaking families has not gone far enough.
Amaris E. RodriguezDecember 17, 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
Inside the Lives of Immigrant Teens Working Dangerous Night Shifts in Suburban Factories
During the day, immigrant teenagers attend high school. At night, they work in factories to pay debts to smugglers and send money to family. The authorities aren’t surprised by child labor. They’re also not doing much about it.
Melissa SanchezNovember 23, 2020
For Cheaper COVID Treatment, Americans Travel to Mexico
Cheaper medicine and doctor visits have drawn Mexican-Americans to Ciudad Juárez during the pandemic, despite concerns about COVID.
Claudia HernándezOctober 28, 2020
‘Either I Risk It All Or Nothing At All’: Migrant Workers’ Need To Work Outweighs COVID-19 Concerns
On the outskirts of Rantoul, in east-central Illinois, about 100 migrant farmworkers are living at an old hotel in a sleepy part of town.
Risking COVID-19 Exposure Again Is The Only Option For These Temp Workers
In a recent Illinois survey, temp workers say that they do not feel safe during COVID-19 working in food processing, manufacturing, warehousing and logistics.
María Inés ZamudioOctober 1, 2020
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.
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
Dispatches from COVID-19: A 72-year-old Filipina essential worker tries to stay healthy while taking care of her patients
“I am always wearing a mask at work. I only remove it when I’m sleeping.”
Mga kuwento tungkol sa COVID-19: Sinusubukan ng 72 taong gulang mahalagang manggagawa manatiling malusog habang nag-aalaga ng iba
“Parati akong naka-maskara sa trabaho. Tinatanggal ko lang ito kapag natutulog ako.”
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
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
New ban and challenges for immigrants during COVID-19
Immigration advocate Fred Tsao reacts to Trump's new immigration ban and shares his hopes for a better future.
Nissa RheeApril 22, 2020
Locked Up With COVID-19
How the coronavirus pandemic is straining immigration court and detention systems in the Midwest.
Nissa RheeApril 15, 2020
At Least 19 Children at a Chicago Shelter for Immigrant Detainees Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
A coronavirus outbreak at a Heartland Alliance facility on Chicago’s South Side may be the largest outbreak of the virus in any shelter for immigrant youth in the country.
Melissa SanchezApril 15, 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
Six immigrant organizations that need your help during the coronavirus outbreak
As COVID-19 continues to spread in Illinois, immigrant organizations are looking to protect their oldest, most vulnerable community members.
Leslie HurtadoMarch 18, 2020
Zarna Patel on studying to be a doctor with DACA
After 21 years of secrecy, Zarna Patel is stepping out of the shadows and claiming her undocumented identity.
Zarna PatelMarch 20, 2017
