City's next phase in migrant crisis will include time limits on shelter stays, Johnson says

Brandon Johnson
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addresses reporters Wednesday. Photo credit TWITTER/Mayor's Office

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city is moving into a new phase of dealing with the migrant crisis, and that includes limiting the time that new arrivals may spend in city-provided shelters.

In addition to the $150 million that city government is providing for migrant care in its newly passed budget, Cook County and the state of Illinois are expected to announce financial commitments later this week.

Johnson was short on details Wednesday, but said the framework of a new city plan will be unveiled Friday. He said it will include more city personnel to assist migrants in their journey, possibly to other cities, if they wish.

The mayor also said the city will implement a tiered, 60-day limit for shelter stays in hopes of moving migrants toward self-sufficiency.

Johnson said Chicago will also fine bus companies that drop off migrants after curfew or at a location where officials cannot help the asylum seekers. Enforcement begins this weekend, he said.

“Above all, we are treating our neighbors with compassion because it is the humane thing to do,” Johnson said.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: TWITTER/Mayor's Office