Chicago : The Hidden Crisis of migrants in Airports

Chicago : Hidden behind a heavy black curtain in one of the nation’s busiest airports is Chicago’s unsettling response to a growing population of asylum-seekers arriving by plane. Hundreds of migrants, from babies to the elderly, live inside a shuttle bus center at O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 1.

This unusual situation at O’Hare Airport raises questions about safety and the treatment of people fleeing violence and poverty. It was meant to be a temporary stop-and-go place, but it has turned into something far more concerning.

Chicago: O’Hare Airport’s Unconventional Shelter

Chicago, like many other cities, has grappled with how to house asylum-seekers. With a growing influx of migrants from Texas and other regions, the city’s existing services were stretched thin. Unlike some cities that have turned to more conventional shelters or facilities, Chicago’s solution is rather unique – utilizing its international airports.

Up to 500 people have lived at O’Hare simultaneously, all confined within a space smaller than a city block, concealed behind a heavy black curtain. Their movements are closely monitored by a private company, which controls who enters and exits this improvised shelter.

Inside, migrants sleep on cardboard pads on the floor and share airport bathrooms. While some meals are provided, they are only available at specific times, and the food may be unfamiliar to newcomers. Unlike migrants closer to the city center, those at O’Hare have limited access to volunteers, food, and clothing donations due to airport security concerns.

A Desperate Journey

The majority of the 14,000 immigrants who have arrived in Chicago in the last year come from Venezuela, a country mired in a decade-long crisis. Millions have been pushed into poverty, prompting many to embark on a perilous journey to the United States.

Maria Daniela Sanchez Valera, 26, is one such migrant who recently arrived at O’Hare with her 2-year-old daughter. After fleeing Venezuela to Peru, she faced further hardships when her daughter’s father was killed, compelling her to leave once more. She emphasizes that they come to work, not to receive handouts.

However, the recent Biden Administration plan to offer temporary legal status and work permits to Venezuelans does not apply to those who arrived after a specific deadline.

Challenges and Concerns

Inside O’Hare, sickness spreads quickly, and the limited first aid provided often leads to calls for ambulances. The volunteer team of doctors who visited once over the summer found their supplies quickly exhausted.

Migrants, like Jhonatan Gelvez, 21, from Colombia, didn’t plan to stay at O’Hare for long, as he has a friend in Chicago. But his story, like many others, is a testament to the hopes and dreams of those seeking a better life in the United States.

While Chicago officials acknowledge that O’Hare is not an ideal solution, they argue that they inherited a crisis and are working to slowly build capacity to house people. The city has added shelters and resettled thousands, but the heavy reliance on volunteers highlights the ongoing challenges.

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