O’Hare International Airport in Chicago has become an unexpected temporary shelter for hundreds of migrants in recent weeks. Primarily hailing from Venezuela and various South and Central American countries, these individuals have embarked on challenging journeys, seeking refuge in the United States.
The airport, one of the nation’s busiest, has seen a surge in the number of migrants seeking shelter. At the beginning of August, there were just 31 individuals housed at O’Hare. That number has now ballooned to over 400, nearly quadrupling the initial capacity limit set by the city.
Reports from migrants and humanitarian groups have raised concerns about living conditions. The airport shelter is described as overcrowded, with limited access to healthcare and educational support for families with children. Nutritional concerns have also been voiced, with migrants citing poor-quality food.
Vianney Marzullo, a lead volunteer with the Police Station Response Team advocacy group, highlights that O’Hare was never intended to be a long-term shelter. Prolonged stays are posing public safety challenges, and there’s growing uncertainty about how to provide necessary services.
Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is now being used as a migrant shelter as there is no space left in the city… pic.twitter.com/4rn724LzWz
— Ben Kew (@ben_kew) September 13, 2023
Call for Action
As the situation unfolds, Chicago’s leaders are facing backlash over the housing of migrants at O’Hare Airport. Urgent action is required from government authorities and humanitarian organizations to address the pressing needs of these vulnerable individuals.
The situation at O’Hare Airport underscores the ongoing challenges faced by migrants and underscores the need for a compassionate and coordinated response to ensure their well-being and dignity while seeking refuge in the United States.
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