Chicago prepares to help more migrants

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Sunday that another 50 migrants were bused from Texas to Chicago.

• The city says it's prepared for more.

Driving the news: Lightfoot is leaning on Chicago residents to help support the arrivals. The city has set up a website asking for volunteers and donations.

• Everything from blankets to diapers.
• They won't accept food donations or used items.
• Still no word on drop-off site locations.

What they're saying: "He [Gov. Abbott] is manufacturing a human crisis, and it makes no sense to me," Lightfoot said Sunday at a press conference.

• The city says they have heard nothing from Texas officials.

State of play: At a press conference last week, Lightfoot said longer-term housing will depend on individuals and whether they choose to stay here.

• Those who choose to stay in Illinois will have to file for asylum and get a court date.
• Until then, the city and the state will help find housing, health care and employment options.

Zoom in: Several shelters and nonprofits have been enlisted to help with the new wave of migrants, including footing part of the bill.

• The Salvation Army Freedom Center in Humboldt Park is serving as a temporary shelter. The arrivals were given showers and meals before being moved to longer-term shelters.
• Adalberto Memorial United Methodist Church in Humboldt Park has also offered beds for recent migrants. They've been doing so since June.

• The National Immigrant Justice Center is providing legal help for their immigration status and advising them on how to file for asylum.

Be smart: CBS reported that the majority of the migrants are seeking asylum from Venezuela, whose regime is being investigated for crimes against humanity.

• Due to the Venezuelan exodus, Illinois has seen a sharp increase in its Venezuelan population.

Context: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is busing migrants from Texas to protest the Biden administration's border policies.

• Chicago has been a sanctuary city since Mayor Harold Washington issued an executive order in 1985.