Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights meeting, December 7, 2023
- When: Thu, Dec 7, 2023, 9:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928487/video/892011183
- Transcript: full text (21,661 words, official captions)
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights held an extended public comment period in which most speakers addressed the welcoming city ordinance and work permits for long-term undocumented immigrants; the meeting was briefly recessed after a disruption. The committee approved its September Rule 45 report and, after testimony from an immigration attorney and advocacy organizations, recommended passage of a resolution sponsored by Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes calling on President Biden to expand parole and work authorization for recent and long-term immigrants. The committee then held a subject matter hearing with no vote on the history of migration in Chicago, the needs of Black African and Haitian migrants, and the history and scope of the welcoming city ordinance. Members raised issues including language access in shelters, funding for community organizations, housing, work permit delays and state coordination, and the chair said follow-up hearings would be held.
Topics: Parole and work authorization resolution, Welcoming city ordinance, Black and Haitian migrants, Language access, New arrivals, Immigration history, Public comment
Agenda items discussed
- 1:34:07 September Rule 45 report: passed
- 1:34:22 Resolution calling on President Biden to expand parole and work authorization for recent and long-term immigrants (R2023-0005289): passed
- 2:01:56 Subject matter hearing on the history of migration in Chicago, Black migrants and the welcoming city ordinance: discussed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Andre Vasquez Jr. (chair): Said a follow-up hearing would give more time to Black and other migrant communities so the issue is not treated only as a Latino issue. (2:04:59); Asked the United African Organization how long it has done this work and what city and state funding it has received. (2:18:34); Said he had not been informed of administration meetings with African diaspora groups, committed to attending them, and said aldermanic offices lack language access services. (2:22:41)
- Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Spoke in support of the resolution and of sanctuary city status, urging colleagues to look at the facts and calling on the administration and state to connect communities with work opportunities. (1:51:36)
- Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): As lead sponsor, described her personal history of immigrant advocacy and said the resolution calls on President Biden and the Illinois delegation to provide parole and work permits for long-term undocumented residents. (1:56:50)
- Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Asked the chair to confirm on the record that, as committee chair, he wants to be included in administration meetings on Black migrants. (2:26:22)
- William E. Hall (alderperson): Asked whether there are consistent housing patterns for Haitian families in Chicago. (2:38:39); Asked about language barriers facing Haitian families, including children in schools. (2:42:15); Asked what jobs Haitian migrants are typically working. (2:42:39)
- Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Described a temporary shelter in her ward and weekly calls with nonprofits, and said the Haitian American Museum should not have to serve as the call center for new arrivals. (3:13:44); Asked what an ideal pathway would be to help new arrivals settle in neighborhoods with established communities and language access. (3:16:29); Said the 48th Ward welcomes new arrivals to stay in its neighborhoods and public schools. (3:18:42)
Exchanges between members
- 1:53:16 Alderperson Byron Sigcho-López thanked Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes for the resolution.
- 2:00:49 The chair thanked Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes and her staff for bringing the resolution forward.
- 2:26:22 Alderperson Walter R. Burnett asked the chair to confirm he wants to be included in administration meetings on Black migrants.
- 2:40:44 Alderperson William E. Hall thanked the chair for his commitment to permanent housing.
- 3:13:12 Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth thanked Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes for bringing forward the resolution.
- 3:15:42 Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth built on Alderperson William E. Hall earlier question about where Haitian communities are located.