Labor Archives – Borderless Magazine NFP

Arts & Culture Broken-Winged Birds: Afghans in Exile Environment Español Health Immigration Policy Investigation Labor Staff pick Visuals

Borderless Magazine’s Favorite Stories of 2024

An Afghan refugee seeking his pilot license, backlog and attorney shortages in immigration court, Latino residents pushing for more green space on the Southwest Side and more stories Borderless reported on Chicago’s immigrant communities.

Mauricio PeñaDecember 23, 2024

Efrain Soriano for Borderless Magazine

Environment Health Investigation Labor Visuals

City Contractor ‘Failed’ Clients as Migrant Shelter Complaints Mounted, Staffers Say

Chicago is phasing out Favorite Healthcare Staffing after paying the agency $342 million to oversee its shelter system. Records show that Favorite had a poor track record of resolving complaints.

Emeline PosnerNovember 19, 2024

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Labor Visuals

The Faces of Immigrant-Owned Small Businesses in Chicago

Jonathan Castillo’s photography breaks stereotypes and honors immigrant-owned businesses in Chicago and nearby suburbs.

Max HermanAugust 13, 2024

Abel Uribe for Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy Labor Organizing

‘I Have to Find Work’: Day Laborers Face Steep Competition, Slim Job Prospects

Newly arrived immigrants search for work as day laborers outside home improvement stores across Chicago. Many find few opportunities and precarious work conditions.

Stephen Franklin and Abel UribeJuly 30, 2024

Illustration by Edel Rodriguez, special to ProPublica

Labor Resources

What You Need to Know If You’re Hurt While Working on a Wisconsin Dairy Farm

ProPublica spoke to lawyers, health care providers, government officials and others to help workers understand their rights if they’re injured on the job.

Maryam Jameel, ProPublica and Melissa Sanchez, ProPublicaJune 17, 2024

Eli Ramirez/City Bureau

Labor

Threats, ‘Abuse’ and No Pay: What Chicago Migrants Face When Looking for Work

Recently arrived migrants say they want to find jobs and build stable lives for their families, but the roadblocks they encounter make it extremely hard to get ahead.

Abena Bediako, Roger Fierro, Sebastian Hidalgo and Erika PerezMarch 7, 2024

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy Labor

‘I Cannot Work’: Venezuelan TPS Applicants Face Large Hurdles in Getting Work Permits

Although President Biden expanded temporary protected status for Venezuelans, TPS’ language barriers, long wait times and costly application fees make it difficult for many immigrants to apply.

Katrina PhamDecember 11, 2023

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Labor Organizing

Unfairly Banned from Uber? Chicago Rideshare Drivers May Get a Fighting Chance

Immigrant rideshare drivers are backing a proposed Chicago law that could raise driver pay and give them an appeals process when working for Lyft or Uber.

Josephine StratmanFebruary 23, 2022

Carlos Barberena

Arts & Culture As Told To Labor 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

Arts & Culture As Told To Labor

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 Chicago's Immigrant Restaurants During COVID-19 Health Labor

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

As Told To Chicago's Immigrant Restaurants During COVID-19 Health Labor

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

Photo by Natalie Garcia for Borderless Magazine

Health Labor Visuals

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

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

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

As Told To Chicago's Immigrant Restaurants During COVID-19 Health Labor

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 Chicago's Immigrant Restaurants During COVID-19 Health Labor

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 Chicago's Immigrant Restaurants During COVID-19 Health Labor

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 Chicago's Immigrant Restaurants During COVID-19 Health Labor

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, Mexican, Pilsen, Sotelo, Chicago, immigrant, pandemic, food, industry, pandemic, community

Photo by Kelly Milan for Borderless Magazine

As Told To Chicago's Immigrant Restaurants During COVID-19 Health Labor

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

Chicago's Immigrant Restaurants During COVID-19 Health Investigation Labor

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 Health Labor

“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 by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

Chicago's Immigrant Restaurants During COVID-19 Health Labor

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

As Told To Labor Organizing

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

immigrant, chef, Uptown, virtual, restaurant, Chicago, pandemic, food

Photo by Woojae Julia Song for Block Club Chicago/CatchLight Local

Health Labor

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

immigrant, restaurant, pandemic, business

Photo by Woojae Julia Song for Block Club Chicago/CatchLight Local Chicago

Health Labor

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.

Woojae Julia Song and Joe WardMarch 22, 2021

housing, tenants, residents, rights, eviction, pandemic

April Alonso for Borderless Magazine/ CatchLight Local Chicago

Arts & Culture Immigration Policy Labor

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

Max Herman / CatchLight Local Chicago

Arts & Culture Labor Resources

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

mixed status, COVID, support, fiscal, Chicago, immigrant, mutual aid, Latina

Photo by Amaris E. Rodriguez for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Health Labor Organizing

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

immigrant, teens, factories, Chicago, child, labor

Health Immigration Policy Labor Visuals

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

Health Immigration Policy Labor

‘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.

Dana Cronin and Christine HermanOctober 16, 2020

Arts & Culture Labor Visuals

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

By Sara Aho / Pixabay

Health Labor

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

Francisco Velazquez/Borderless Magazine

Investigation Labor

‘We Just Want What We Deserve’: Former Strauss Meatpacking Employees Protest Unsafe Working Conditions During COVID

Workers say they were fired after complaining about the lack of coronavirus safety measures. Over 17,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported among meat and poultry workers in the United States.

Francisco VelazquezSeptember 16, 2020

Immigration Policy Labor

Know Your Rights as a Migrant Farmworker

Illinois Migrant Council’s Miguel Sarmiento answers questions about migrant farmworker’s rights to salary, benefits, and protection during COVID.

Diane Bou KhalilSeptember 9, 2020

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Environment Labor

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

Photo courtesy of Demera

Arts & Culture Labor

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

Photographer: Walt Stoneburner

As Told To Health Labor

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.

Francisco Velazquez and Michelle KanaarAugust 25, 2020

Francisco Velazquez/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Labor

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, cafe, Chicago, immigrant, business

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Labor

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

Lilia Antazo para sa Borderless Magazine

Health Labor Visuals

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.”

Lilia Antazo and Pat NabongJune 4, 2020

Lilia Antazo para sa Borderless Magazine

Health Labor

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.”

Lilia Antazo and Pat NabongJune 4, 2020

Diane Bou Khalil/Borderless Magazine

Health Investigation Labor

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