CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and other Illinois leaders emphasized a commitment to resettle Afghan refugees in Chicago.
In a press conference on Monday with the Refugee Action Network Coalition, Durbin joined Congresswomen Marie Newman and Jan Schakowsky to discuss how Illinois will respond to the crisis in Afghanistan.
According to the coalition, about 500 Afghan refugees will be resettled in Chicago in the coming months.
Durbin said he's helped develop a streamlined process for refugees to gain Special Immigrant Visa status because normally "it's a long, rigorous process."
"Investigating, asking questions, waiting and waiting and waiting, sometimes for years, before they finally get the chance to come to the United States," Durbin said.
Schakowsky, who represents the 9th district, said Chicago is particularly suited to support refugees.
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Afghans arriving in Chicago will be supported by resettlement agencies to provide housing, employment services and other resources.
Following Durbin’s press conference, the City Council of the city of Chicago sent a letter to President Joe Biden saying they “stand ready, willing, and able to assist, resettle, and welcome” Afghan refugees to Chicago.
The letter highlighted how the city has long been a safe haven for refugees.
Seventeen city council members signed the letter electronically. The city will work with 25 supporting agencies, including the Refugee Action Network, regarding this resettlement effort.
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