Diane Bou Khalil, Author at Borderless Magazine NFP

coats over various colors hang on a rack

Resources Where to find

Where To Find Free or Cheap Winter Coats In Chicago

From coat drives to free stores to resale shops, here are places to get free or low-cost coats and jackets this winter in the Chicago area.

Diane Bou KhalilNovember 7, 2024

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Education Immigration Policy

What You Need to Know About Immigration News This Week

Students say the University of Chicago is withholding their degrees for participating in antiwar encampments, Work Permits for All gets support from the Illinois General Assembly, and more.

Diane Bou KhalilMay 29, 2024

Illustration by Mike Centeno for Borderless Magazine

Health Immigration Policy Resources

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

Samantha Cabrera Friend for Borderless Magazine

Health Immigration Policy Resources

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.

Katrina Pham and Diane Bou KhalilJanuary 16, 2024

Mustafa Hussain for Borderless Magazine

Organizing Staff pick

Two months on, Chicagoans grapple with the devastation of the Gaza war

Local Palestinians and Jewish people are mourning the deaths of people in Israel and Gaza and calling for an end to the war.

Diane Bou KhalilDecember 20, 2023

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Resources Where to find

Where To Find Free or Cheap Winter Coats In Chicago

From coat drives to free stores to resale shops, here are places to get free or low-cost coats and jackets this winter in the Chicago area.

Diane Bou KhalilNovember 10, 2023

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 Black Immigrants Today

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

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

After the Buses Immigration Policy

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

Jesus J. Montero for Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy

What’s Behind Venezuelan Migrants Coming to Chicago?

Illinois Venezuelan Alliance cofounder Ana Gil Garcia explains why 25% of Venezuela’s population has left Venezuela and how Chicagoans are welcoming Venezuelan migrants.

Diane Bou KhalilDecember 1, 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

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

Español

La guía esencial para los grupos de ayuda mutua en Chicago

Desde La Villita hasta Rogers Park, lugares para dar y recibir ayuda de sus vecinos en esta temporada navideña en Chicago y sus suburbios.

Diane Bou KhalilNovember 22, 2021

Protestors stand outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in downtown Chicago holding bullhorns and signs calling for a pathway to citizenship

Photo courtesy of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Español

Inmigrantes de Chicago se manifiestan por el derecho a convertirse en ciudadanos de su hogar de toda la vida

Los manifestantes detuvieron el tráfico mientras pedían su proceso hacia la ciudadanía para 11 millones de inmigrantes indocumentados en los Estados Unidos.

Diane Bou KhalilNovember 8, 2021

Photo by Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Español

Dónde encontrar pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19 en Chicago

Las pruebas rápidas y de PCR están disponibles en toda el área de Chicago. Manténte al tanto de tu salud y encuentra un sitio de pruebas en tu vecindario.

Diane Bou KhalilNovember 4, 2021

Photo courtesy of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Immigration Policy Organizing

Chicago’s Immigrants Rally for the Right to Become Citizens in Their Longtime Home

Protestors halted traffic as they called for a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

Diane Bou KhalilNovember 4, 2021

Photo by Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Health Resources

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

Photo courtesy of Dr. Siham Ibrahim

As Told To Español

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

African, food, restaurant, Yassa, Chicago

Photo courtesy of Yassa African Restaurant

Español

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

Photo courtesy of Yassa African Restaurant

Arts & Culture Resources

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

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

Español

Con la reapertura de Chicago, inmigrantes dueños de restaurantes reflexionan sobre un año sin precedentes

Frente a un futuro incierto, una investigación de Borderless Magazine encontró que los restaurantes de inmigrantes sobrellevan la recuperación con creatividad y determinación después de una pausa pandémica.

Diane Bou KhalilJuly 20, 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

Photo by Diane Bou Khalil

Organizing Visuals

What You Should Know About the Situation in Palestine

U.S. Palestinian Community Network’s Souzan Naser on what people need to understand about the recent Israeli airstrikes in Palestine and how to help.

Diane Bou KhalilMay 24, 2021

rally, asian, discrimination, violence, racism, misogyny, Chicago, Chinatown, Lopez

Photo by Diane Bou Khalil/Borderless Magazine

Español

La ciudadanía se manifiesta para terminar con la violencia en contra de asiáticos en los Estados Unidos

Después de un año donde se ha visto un aumento en los ataques contra las comunidades asiáticas en el país, grupos locales Asiático-Americanos e Isleños del Pacífico (AAPI, por sus siglas en inglés) se reunieron en el Barrio chino de Chicago para exigir respuestas.

Claire Voon and Diane Bou KhalilMay 3, 2021

domestic, violence, immigration, Apna, Ghar, Borderless, women, abuse, gender

Resources

How to Confront Domestic Violence

Apna Ghar’s Maha Waseem on how immigrants are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence and what we can do to support survivors.

Diane Bou Khalil and Claire VoonApril 20, 2021

Iran, revolution, Chicago, author, hijab

Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Saper

Español

Residente de Chicago Recuerda al Irán Revolucionario

La autora local Jacqueline Saper era joven durante la revolución iraní de 1979 y posteriormente solicitó asilo en Estados Unidos.

Diane Bou KhalilApril 13, 2021

refugee, crisis, Lesvos, volunteer, Syrian, human, rights

Photo courtesy of Alexandra Tarzikhan

Español

Utilizando Instagram para humanizar la crisis de refugiados

Después de ser voluntaria en los campamentos de refugiados en Grecia, la abogada de derechos humanos Alexandra Tarzikhan creó una comunidad virtual para ampliar las historias individuales de los refugiados.

Diane Bou KhalilApril 13, 2021

Photo by Diane Bou Khalil/Borderless Magazine

Organizing

Chicagoans Rally to End Violence Against Asians in America

After a year that has seen a rise in attacks against Asian communities in the U.S., local AAPI groups gathered in Chicago's Chinatown to demand action.

Claire Voon and Diane Bou KhalilMarch 30, 2021

Photo courtesy of Alexandra Tarzikhan

Arts & Culture

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

Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Saper

Arts & Culture

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

sitcom, Chicago, immigrant, Indian, South Asian

Arts & Culture Visuals

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

Immigration Policy

How Chicago’s New Welcoming City Ordinance Will Protect Immigrants

Alderman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez representing Chicago’s 33rd Ward speaks about Chicago as a Sanctuary City and it’s new Welcoming City Ordinance, which provides expanded protections to immigrants.

Diane Bou KhalilFebruary 10, 2021

Ghana, child bride, immigration, education

Davon Clark for Borderless Magazine/CatchLight Local Chicago

As Told To Education

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

president, United States, immigration, administration, peace, DACA,

Español

Una agenda de inmigración para y por el pueblo

Organizadores locales comparten las políticas de inmigración que consideran deberían priorizar el presidente Biden.

Diane Bou KhalilJanuary 25, 2021

Immigration Policy

A People’s Agenda for Immigration

Local organizers share the immigration policies that they believe President Biden should prioritize.

Diane Bou KhalilJanuary 20, 2021

Resources

Where to Find Turkey Giveaways This Thanksgiving

Community organizations throughout Chicago are giving out food and clothing to families in need this holiday season.

Diane Bou KhalilNovember 19, 2020

Español

Dónde Encontrar Pavos Gratis Este Día de Acción de Gracias

Organizaciones comunitarias en el area de Chicago están obsequiando comida y ropa a familias necesitadas en esta temporada navideña.

Diane Bou KhalilNovember 19, 2020

Arts & Culture

‘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

election, rally, Chicago, immigrant, Biden, Trump, presidential

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy Organizing Visuals

Waiting for Presidential Election Results, Chicagoans Show up to Protect their Vote

Less than a day after voting polls closed, immigrant community members rallied in downtown Chicago to defend the election.

Diane Bou Khalil and Michelle KanaarNovember 5, 2020

Español Resources

How to Get Help Voting in Illinois

Wondering how to register to vote? How to vote by mail? ¿Quieres saber cómo registrarte para votar? ¿Cómo votar por correo?

Diane Bou Khalil and Nissa RheeOctober 23, 2020

Photo by Michelle Kanaar

Immigration Policy Visuals

Rohingya Americans on Voting for the First Time in US Election

About 15 Rohingya Refugees gathered at Warren Park to vote for the first time after being denied that right in their native Myanmar.

Diane Bou Khalil and Michelle KanaarOctober 20, 2020

Diane Bou Khalil/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

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

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

Español

Después de la decisión del tribunal, ¿Qué le depara al TPS?

El Estatus de Protección Temporal, o TPS por sus siglas en inglés, ayuda a que 300,000 personas puedan trabajar y vivir en los Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, la reciente decisión del tribunal amenaza con acabar con este programa humanitario.

Diane Bou KhalilSeptember 28, 2020

Resources

After Court Ruling, What’s Next for TPS?

Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, helps 300,000 people work and live in the United States. But a recent court ruling threatens to end the humanitarian program.

Diane Bou KhalilSeptember 28, 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

Organizing

إنفجار يهز بيروت تضاف إلى أزمة لبنان المتزايدة

شرحت الأكاديميّة والناشطة كارمن جحا الأزمة الاقتصادية والسياسية في لبنان وكيفَ تعامَل الشباب اللبناني مع دعوات الثورة.

Diane Bou KhalilAugust 5, 2020

Organizing

Explosions Rock Beirut, Adding to Lebanon’s Growing Crisis

Academic and activist Carmen Geha explains Lebanon’s economic meltdown and how the Lebanese diaspora has taken up the call for revolution.

Diane Bou KhalilAugust 4, 2020

Photo by Michelle Kanaar

Immigration Policy Resources

Immigration Judges Sue Over Censorship

The National Association of Immigration Judges' Samuel Cole talks about a Trump administration rule that he says muzzles judges.

Diane Bou KhalilJuly 8, 2020

Immigration Policy Resources

Should I Apply for DACA? Can I Renew? Lawyer Answers DACA Recipients’ Questions

Vanessa Esparza-López, a supervising attorney with the National Immigrant Justice Center’s Immigrant Legal Defense Project, explains how the Supreme Court's ruling will impact DACA recipients.

Diane Bou Khalil and Cassidy JacksonJune 29, 2020

Resources

A People’s Guide to Fighting Racism

Six Black and Latinx community leaders share what we need to do to address structural racism.

Diane Bou Khalil and Nissa RheeJune 11, 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

Arts & Culture

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