(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Two west suburban members of Congress say, yes, it would be great if outlying communities would help house some of the asylum-seekers who continue to arrive in Chicago by the busload.
But more importantly, say Democratic Reps. Bill Foster and Lauren Underwood, the federal government should be fully funding the assistance efforts.
Foster on Wednesday acknowledged the strain that the constant flow of migrants from Texas and elsewhere has put on Chicago and said the influx is a shared responsibility for all communities and states.
Standing beside Underwood, he said the bigger responsibility is Washington’s.
“When states send busloads of migrants to states like Illinois that are willing to accept them, that the money arrives with the migrants,” Foster said.
Underwood agreed. When asked if neighboring communities should be offering to help house Chicago-bound migrants, she chose her words carefully and said hopefully local leaders view this situation with care and compassion.
Chicago officials have vented for months about what they say is insufficient resources from the federal government. Recently, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to expedite work permits for migrants so that they can become more self-sufficient.
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