Mayor sees migrants in person
Johnson makes smart move by visiting police stations and respite center
Chicago has been dealing with what is considered an overwhelming influx of asylum seekers for approximately nine months. Tuesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson took much of his first full day in office to visit two locations housing migrants in order to see exactly the conditions in which they are existing. It was a smart move on the new mayor’s part to make the visits himself rather than relagating that responsibilty to an underling. It was smart because Texas Gov. Greg Abbott who has been sending these men, women and families from Texas border towns has vowed to continue doing so.
With more than 8,000 asylum seekers already in Chicago whose presence has gobbled up an estimated $20 million, this issue is going to consume much of Johnson’s attention, if not time too. Now though, he has a clearer picture of what needs to be done. I suspect he will face some criticism for making the migrants a day one priority. It was a decision that had he not done it he probably would have been criticized. Chicagoans have to realize that this is a matter that touches all of our lives in some way.
Even with the assistance of some not-for-profit organizations and churches Chicago has hit a space crunch when it comes to housing the newly arrived. He has signed an executive order establishing a deputy mayor position to address the matter, but even if that person were to come onboard this week; there is a learning curve and a huge logistical problem.
It was inappropriate on the part of some news reporters to try to pry from Johnson solutions for something he has only had 48 hours to officially address. I am not certain if that means there will be no media “honeymoon.” However, on an unprecedented issue such as this it is only right to give him time to evaluate, plan and act.
The glaring reality is there will be no easy solution-primarily because it is out of the control of the Johnson Administration. Like it or not, Abbott is calling the shots. Even if he stopped sending asylum seekers here tomorrow, there would still be monumental challenges when it comes to housing, jobs and other issues. Realistically, how long can we expect these newcomers to be be content just to be here, with no money to their names? America is about spending and propping up capitalism.
Without jobs how do the migrants contribute to the economy? The dispute over whether Mexicans immigrating to the U.S. take jobs from Americans born here has been raging for at least two decades. Now, with the rash of people from not only Mexico, but much of Central America and South America it is likely the rancor will increase. In 2005, then-Mexican President Vicente Fox incurred the wrath of the Rev. Jesse Jackson when Fox was quoted saying “Mexicans are willing to do the jobs even Blacks won’t do.” Fox maintained his words were mistaken as racially detrimental and that is not what he meant.
Where and what kinds of jobs the migrants will lock down is very much a mystery. Many don’t speak English-something that will slow their assimilation and job prospects.
Prior to taking office Mayor Johnson visited the Illinois Congressional delegation to seek help with this issue. Federal assistance looks as though it is the only way Chicago can successfully accommodate the ayslum seekers