Where to Find Turkey Giveaways This Thanksgiving
If you need food this Thanksgiving, here is a guide to upcoming turkey giveaways in Chicago.
Fiona WuNovember 20, 2024
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.
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
Chicago Parks Offer a Glimpse of Migrant Trails with ‘A Welcoming Place’
After two years of traveling alongside asylum seekers, two photographers share their work to expand conversations on immigration.
Max HermanNovember 15, 2024
The time is now
Help Borderless Magazine hold Trump and those in power accountable by supporting our nonpartisan reporting.
Nissa RheeNovember 8, 2024
How Immigrant Communities Are Feeling as They Cast Their Vote for President
As voters head to the polls, immigrant communities share what’s at stake for them this election.
A Night of Stories Fundraiser in Chicago
Celebrate Borderless Magazine’s work with drinks, food, and inspiring stories at the Vault Gallerie in Pilsen.
Sarah LuyengiNovember 1, 2024
Pilsen Residents Call on Chicago Mayor to Deny Scrap Metal Recycling Plant Permit
Sims Metal Management and the EPA say that the recycler is not producing dangerous pollution. But residents say their health is on the line.
Aydali CampaOctober 30, 2024
What a Trump Vs. Harris Win Could Mean for Environmental Justice in Chicago?
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris differ on many policy points, but environmental justice and climate change are among the most stark.
Aydali CampaOctober 28, 2024
‘The Home I Worked to Make: Voices from the New Syrian Diaspora’
In an excerpt from her new book, Northwestern University Professor Wendy Pearlman draws from interviews of Syrians who were forced to flee their homeland.
Wendy PearlmanOctober 22, 2024
Chicago Will End Troubled Staffing Contract, Merge Homeless, Migrant Systems By 2025
The new system will offer 6,800 beds despite a projected need for 11,000 spaces for all Chicagoans experiencing homelessness.
Turkish Influencer Shares Vibrant Culture with Chicago
When much of the world was locked down in early 2020, Hatice Özge Akbudak started documenting her journey in America. Now, she has a dedicated following as she elevates her culture and explores Chicago.
Tara MobasherOctober 8, 2024
Finding a Fix for Playgrounds That Are Too Hot to Touch
In Arizona, researchers are studying playgrounds where the equipment gets so hot it can burn kids’ skin. As heat worsens nationwide, Chicago and other communities will need to take note.
Wyatt Myskow Inside Climate NewsSeptember 24, 2024
What Immigrants Should Know About Buying a Home in Chicago
Immigration status can complicate a person's path to homeownership. Still, there are ways to prepare for home-buying, such as improving your credit and getting an ITIN number.
Andrea FloresSeptember 17, 2024
How to Vote in Illinois This Election
From how to register to vote to who can vote, we answer your questions about voting in the presidential election.
Tara MobasherSeptember 15, 2024
Borderless Wins National Journalistic Impact Award
The nonprofit news outlet’s investigations into Chicago migrant shelters were recognized at the 2024 LION Awards.
Nissa RheeSeptember 12, 2024
Chicago-Based Iranian Artist Explores Confinement with the Help of Her House Plants
Laleh Motlagh describes how she discovered art, women's rights in Iran, and her latest exhibit, "Entanglement."
Tara MobasherSeptember 5, 2024
Life for Women in Iran: ‘They Want to Own Our Minds’
The Islamic Revolution ushered in a new normal for Iranian women. Some have fled, while others have built a life in the country despite the adversity.
Tara MobasherSeptember 4, 2024
Iranians Face Stringent Screening for a Chance to Study in the U.S.
Many students face canceled visa interview appointments, months-long waits and unexplained rejections, jeopardizing their attendance at American Universities.
Tara MobasherSeptember 3, 2024
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
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
How Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Are Talking About Immigration
Former President Trump has continued his anti-immigrant rhetoric and promised mass deportation, while Vice President Harris has shared sparse details on her policy plans.
ISabelle SenechalAugust 22, 2024
DNC Protesters Call For Ceasefire in Gaza, Israel Arms Embargo as Palestinian Death Toll Rises
With all eyes on Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, tens of thousands of protesters marched in solidarity with Palestine.
Isabelle SenechalAugust 19, 2024
City Officials Attempt to Allay Residents’ Fears as Partial Demolition Looms in Pilsen
As Midwest Generation Fisk Station owners move to remove a cracked and leaning silo at the site, residents called for high-quality air monitors and more communication from the city about the demolition process.
Aydali CampaAugust 8, 2024
Day Laborers Say They Are Being Beaten, Harassed Outside Home Depot By Off-Duty Cops
Criminal trespassing arrests have skyrocketed at a Southwest Side Home Depot as recently arrived migrants seek work, and day laborers say they’re being mistreated as a result.
Sebastián Hidalgo / City BureauAugust 6, 2024
Cicero Plans to Construct Green Alleys as Residents Call for Flood Prevention Action
After the July 2023 rainstorm that impacted Cicero residents, the Town of Cicero offers upgrades on residents’ alleyways that reduce flooding via a petition. However, some residents aren’t aware of this opportunity.
Aydali CampaAugust 1, 2024
5 Things To Know About Your Rights As a Day Laborer in Illinois
From wage theft to unsafe work sites, how to navigate your rights as a day laborer regardless of immigration status in Illinois.
Stephen FranklinJuly 30, 2024
Illinois Makes Housing Discrimination Based on Immigration Status a Civil Rights Violation
The state-expanded protections prohibit housing providers from discriminating against a person based on actual or perceived immigration status. A real estate attorney breaks down what this expanded law means.
Aydali CampaJuly 15, 2024
Buying a Home is Hard. It’s Even More Difficult When You’re Undocumented.
Undocumented immigrants have long faced a narrow path to homeownership, but in recent years, some local community banks are slowly expanding lending options to help noncitizens realize their dream of owning a home.
Aydali CampaJuly 2, 2024
How to Apply for Financial Assistance as an Undocumented Student
Undocumented students entering college can’t apply for federal financial aid, but some local and national scholarships and assistance attempt to bridge this gap.
Tara MobasherJune 25, 2024
What You Need To Know About The New Protections For Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens
The Biden administration announced a plan to offer protection for noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens.
Tara MobasherJune 18, 2024
Where to Find Cooling Centers During Chicago’s Heatwave
How to stay cool and avoid heatstroke in the city and suburbs during the “heat dome.”
Diane Bou KhalilJune 17, 2024
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
What You Need to Know About the New Border Restrictions
President Joe Biden’s directive temporarily closes the border to asylum seekers until the seven-day crossing averages decrease.
Tara MobasherJune 5, 2024
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
Lost in translation: Migrant kids struggle in segregated Chicago schools
Two years after busloads of migrant children began arriving in Chicago, many have landed in schools where most don’t speak Spanish. Custodians and kindergarten teachers are taking on the role of translator, but students are still falling behind.
5 Things to Know When Preparing For Immigration Court Without a Lawyer
Getting an attorney can be expensive and hard to find. Here are tips curated by Borderless on how to navigate immigration court.
Katrina PhamMay 14, 2024
Life in Legal Limbo: Navigating Chicago’s Immigration Court Alone
Fighting for a chance to stay, many immigrants wade alone through backlogs and attorney shortages that plague the immigration court system.
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
Chicago’s Longtime Undocumented Immigrants Push Feds for Work Permits: ‘Why Not Us?’
As new arrivals receive federal work authorization, many undocumented immigrants are stepping out of the shadows and demanding work permits after waiting for decades.
Jacqueline CardenasApril 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
The Revival of Chicago’s Filipino American Rizal Center
After a protracted legal battle over the building's ownership, Filipino immigrants and Filipino Americans have banded together to restore a community center to its former glory.
Katrina PhamApril 8, 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.
Harmony in Hardship: Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Refugees Bring Immigrant Stories to Life with Music
For one night, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Refugee Coalition turned inspirational immigrant stories into a musical journey to bring awareness of the current migrant crisis.
Chelsea VerstegenApril 1, 2024
Chicago Ordinance Would Require Weekly Reports on Migrant Shelter Evictions
If passed by the full City Council, the measure will require departments to report anonymized data on evicted migrants’ age, gender and length of shelter stay.
Katrina PhamMarch 28, 2024
U.S. Immigration Application Fees Increase Next Month. Here’s What You Should Know
For the first time in seven years, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is increasing application fees for several individual, family, and employer applications.
Chelsea VerstegenMarch 25, 2024
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
Migrants Navigate State’s Apartment Program On Their Own As Evictions Loom and Help Runs Dry
The Asylum Seeker Emergency Rental Assistance Program has helped 4,600 households move into apartments. But some migrants supported by the program could lose their homes if they can’t find work.
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
7 Things Migrants Should Know About Upcoming Shelter Evictions
Chicago’s 60-day shelter limits will kick in soon. Borderless answers questions on how to access community, city and state resources.
Katrina PhamMarch 5, 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.
Little Amal Comes to Chicago With a Message of Hope for Refugees
The 12-foot-tall puppet tells the story of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee separated from her family.
Diane Bou KhalilOctober 6, 2023
Newly-arrived Venezuelan migrants can now apply for TPS protections. Here’s How.
The Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday they would be extending and redesignating Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela, allowing Venezuelan immigrants to receive temporary permissions to live and work in the United States.
Pushing Boundaries: How a Pakistani African American Drag King Burst into Chicago’s Drag Scene
D’Cameron May stepped onto the drag stage four years ago. Now, they have a home among Chicago’s queer immigrant scene.
Katrina PhamSeptember 19, 2023
How to apply for FEMA assistance regardless of immigration status
Mixed immigration status families in Cicero and other Chicago-area towns can still apply for federal assistance if they were impacted by the July storms.
Diane Bou KhalilSeptember 15, 2023
Locally Made App Puts Interpreter in Immigrants’ Pockets
Joel Arzu and his brother Regis are the brains behind CoVoice, an app people can use to be connected with an interpreter in real-time.
Maia McDonaldSeptember 8, 2023
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.
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
Illinois Lawmakers and Immigrant Advocates Push to End the Sale of Personal Data to ICE
As a lawsuit against data broker LexisNexis awaits court determination, local advocates and officials look to amend Cook County’s ICE detainer ordinance.
Chelsea VerstegenJuly 11, 2023
Chicago Police Officer Accused Of Impregnating Migrant Teen Living In West Side Station: Reports
Other officers are accused of "improper sexual relations" with immigrants who had been sleeping in police stations when they had no place else to go, law enforcement sources told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Madison SavedraJuly 7, 2023
South Asia Institute Holds Its First Desi Queer Open Mic Night
Organizers say the event was a first for the institute, but hope it will promote more inclusivity while celebrating Desi queer stories and creativity.
Efrain SorianoJuly 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
Novelist Isabel Allende on ‘The Wind Knows My Name’
The best-selling Chilean author talks about her new book and the importance of telling immigration stories.
Claudia HernándezJune 23, 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
After Five Long Years, a Venezuelan Family Is Reunited
Frank Sandoval had to leave Venezuela to save his life. He became a lawyer to help others seek asylum. After a five-year process, he was reunited with his wife and daughter in Chicago.
Chelsea VerstegenJune 2, 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
How US Policy Drives, Describes and Denies Black Immigration
Patrice Lawrence of the UndocuBlack Network explains how U.S. policies are impacting Black immigration from Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America.
Jillian MeleroMay 26, 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
Title 42 is Ending. What’s Next for Immigration?
As the Trump-era rule ends Thursday, Biden plans to enact strict immigration policies toward asylum seekers and send more troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.
Reema SalehMay 11, 2023
As Lightfoot Departs, A ‘Woefully Unprepared’ Chicago Leaves Migrants In ‘Inhumane’ Conditions For Weeks — With No Plan In Sight
Around 3,100 migrants are in temporary shelters, relying on donated clothes and food as Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson inherits the crisis. “We don’t have beds. Children are sleeping on the floor," one man said.
Lightfoot Plans To Turn Old South Shore High School Into Migrant Shelter As More Buses Arrive
The plan comes after the city's short-notice rollout of a migrant shelter in neighboring Woodlawn sparked months of outrage. Officials will host a meeting on the plan Thursday.
Maxwell EvansMay 2, 2023
How to Help Migrants Coming to Chicago
Where to donate food, clothing, money and more to help immigrants being bused to Chicago as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s political stunt.
Borderless Magazine StaffMay 2, 2023
Texas Will Start Busing Migrants To Chicago Again Monday, Creating ‘Humanitarian Crisis,’ Lightfoot Says
Mayor Lori Lightfoot has said the city already doesn't have enough space for the migrants who are here — and the answer to problems at the border isn't busing people to Chicago.
Mack LiedermanMay 1, 2023
Migrants Sent On One-Way Flights From Texas Sleeping At O’Hare As City Scrambles To Find Them Shelter
The city is working to support the migrants, but officials said it's been difficult to plan when there is no communication from the states sending people here.
Woodlawn Church Welcomes New Migrant Neighbors with Banquet
More than 200 migrants came together to enjoy a free dinner and live music at the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago.
Jonathan AguilarApril 21, 2023
Chicago Rapper Shouly Explores His ‘Double Identity’ and Challenges Arab Stereotypes
The Palestinian-Jordanian hip-hop artist talks about identity as inspiration, his growth since his debut album and what’s next.
Diane Bou KhalilApril 6, 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
Chicagoans Protest Surveillance and Deportation on the 20th Anniversary of ICE
Immigrant demonstrators called for the end of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the detainment and surveillance of immigrants.
Diane Bou KhalilMarch 30, 2023
Paul Vallas Or Brandon Johnson Will Be Chicago’s Next Mayor. Where Do They Stand On The Issues?
The candidates have laid out radically different plans to combat crime, improve public school performance and bring in new city revenue. The runoff election is April 4.
Quinn MyersMarch 22, 2023
Introducing Borderless Magazine’s Field Canvasser Playbook
A guide to using community organizing techniques to bring journalists closer to their audiences
Nissa RheeMarch 14, 2023
Novel ‘Kaikeyi’ Challenges Depiction of Women in Hindu Epic
Chicago author Vaishnavi Patel on her debut novel “Kaikeyi,” her Hindu identity and publishers pulling her book in India.
Mrinali DhemblaMarch 8, 2023
Is My Personal Information For Sale and What Can I Do About It?
LexisNexis, a data brokerage firm, is being sued by Illinois activists for the collection and sale of immigrant data to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. What data is legal or illegal to sell? Who can access it? And what can they do with it?
Chelsea VerstegenMarch 2, 2023
LexisNexis’ Contract with ICE Allows for Illegal Surveillance of Immigrants, Lawsuit Claims
The Chicago ICE Field Office conducted more than 13,000 searches of the LexisNexis database between March and September 2021.
Chelsea VerstegenMarch 2, 2023
Chicago’s Turkish and Syrian Community Members on How to Help Those Affected by the Earthquakes
Local Turkish and Syrian residents talk about the effects of the recent earthquakes on their home countries and about ways you can help.
Diane Bou KhalilFebruary 23, 2023
What ID Do You Need to Travel or Register to Vote?
From a driver’s license to a REAL ID card to CityKey ID, here’s how to get an ID if you’re an immigrant or an undocumented person.
Diane Bou KhalilFebruary 2, 2023
West Chicago Residents Await Decision on 2nd Waste Transfer Station in the City
Amid environmental concerns, residents questioned the need for a second waste station in their community and wanted to know what measures will be taken to mitigate increased pollution.
Diane Bou KhalilJanuary 26, 2023
Chicago Police Denied Scores of Undocumented Crime Victims a Path to Citizenship
Immigrants seeking U visas are being blocked by two sergeants who were previously involved in controversial shootings and on the verge of being fired.
Carlos BallesterosJanuary 17, 2023
Borderless Magazine’s Favorite Stories of 2022
A female Afghan governor-turned-refugee, a Bangladeshi community builder working behind bars, a Mexican American woman who turned love-letter writing into a family tradition, here are some of the people whose stories we helped tell in 2022.
Diane Bou KhalilJanuary 12, 2023
The Essential Guide to Mutual Aid Groups in Chicago
From Little Village to Rogers Park, where to give and get help from your neighbors this holiday season in Chicago and its suburbs.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 21, 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
Where To Find Free or Cheap Winter Coats In Chicago
From coat drives to free stores to resale shops, here are places to get inexpensive or free coats and jackets in the Chicago area.
Diane Bou KhalilNovember 10, 2022
