Numerous Chicago Suburbs Pass Ordinances to Address Asylum Seeker Drop-Offs
Chicago and nearby suburbs have been grappling with how to handle the influx of asylum seekers being dropped off in their communities. As Chicago sees a steady stream of buses carrying asylum seekers, nearby suburbs like Kankakee, Westmont, Elburn, and Chicago Ridge have passed ordinances to address the issue.
The situation came to a head in Elburn this week when asylum seekers were dropped off at a Metra stop, leaving the village to quickly pass an ordinance to deal with the unexpected arrivals. The new ordinance puts the responsibility on bus carriers to file an application for any intercity bus traffic at the stop.
Similar ordinances have been adopted by several other suburbs, including Chicago Ridge, which now requires bus companies to obtain a permit five days in advance and face fines and potential impoundment if protocols are not followed.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been actively working with suburban officials to address the situation. Some suburbs, like Oak Park, have welcomed migrants, but are facing the challenge of providing permanent housing for them, expressing the need for more facilities to handle the arrivals.
The situation has highlighted the need for a coordinated response to the influx of asylum seekers and the importance of ensuring that protocols are followed for their arrival in neighboring communities.