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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

Sebastian Hidalgo for Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy

A Chicago faith-based nonprofit furnishes homes for asylum seekers

New Life Centers' New Vecino program, funded by the state, provides asylum seekers with wraparound services and furniture for new apartments.

Sebastian HidalgoDecember 4, 2023

Christian K. Lee for Chalkbeat

Education Immigration Policy

As Chicago’s shelter rule for migrant families takes effect, here are three student rights to know

Homeless children have certain rights aimed at maintaining stability for them at school, including the ability to stay at the school they’ve been attending.

Reema Amin, Chalkbeat ChicagoNovember 28, 2023

Efrain Soriano for Borderless Magazine

Environment

After decades of waiting, West Chicago’s Final Radiation Cleanup Begins

While newer residents unearth decades of contamination, some neighbors look forward to a planned public park at the former thorium factory.

Liuan HuskaNovember 27, 2023

Colin Boyle / Block Club Chicago

Immigration Policy

What Does The City’s New 60-Day Shelter Limit Mean For Migrants In Chicago?

Volunteers fear the shelter limit is going to create a “new sh-tshow” when folks are forced to leave — and push more people into homelessness.

Quinn Myers and Ariel Parrella-AureliNovember 21, 2023

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy

How the Pilsen Food Pantry Expanded to Serve Venezuelan Migrants

The Pilsen Food Pantry provides essentials, including food, clothing, and sleeping bags, to new migrants living in local police stations and shelters.

Chelsea VerstegenNovember 20, 2023

coats over various colors hang on a rack

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

Efrain Soriano/Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy

Illinois bill seeks to bolster language services at state agencies

A language access bill making its way through Springfield would create a new office tasked with bringing interpretation and translation services to state agencies for many non-native English speakers.

Maia McDonaldOctober 30, 2023

Photo by Chris Popio

Arts & Culture

Trap Door Theatre brings European plays to the heart of Chicago

The avant-garde theatre has spent 30 years showcasing international productions that otherwise might not be seen in the U.S. Founder Beata Pilch tells Borderless why.

Chelsea VerstegenOctober 24, 2023

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