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Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson, is pushing for a $25 million program aimed at providing rental assistance to undocumented immigrants residing in the city.
Under Chicago Mayor Johnson’s proposal, both city and state taxpayers would bear the financial burden, as the mayor seeks assistance from the state to fund the program. (Photo: New York Times)
Chicago Mayor’s Plan
The plan, which would subsidize rent costs for over 6,500 individuals, has sparked intense debate and comes at a time when Chicago Mayor Johnson’s liberal allies are urging him to divert funds away from law enforcement, the Washington Free Beacon reported.
In addition to renting subsidies, Chicago Mayor Johnson aims to collaborate with the federal government to expedite work permits for undocumented immigrants, enabling them to sustain themselves once the subsidies expire.
According to Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Johnson’s deputy chief of staff, the strategy can be viewed as a form of resettlement, providing opportunities for these individuals to integrate into society.
While the Chicago Mayor focuses on aiding undocumented immigrants, concerns are growing among Chicago’s residents as the city grapples with a surge in shootings.
During Memorial Day weekend alone, at least 11 people lost their lives to gun violence, with 46 others, including two toddlers, suffering injuries.
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Chicago Mayor’s Supporters Pushes for Reduction
Despite these alarming statistics, Johnson’s liberal supporters are pushing for a 9 percent reduction in the police budget and the elimination of 1,000 vacant police positions.
These proposals were put forth by the Action Center on Race and the Economy, a left-wing organization that counts a member of Johnson’s transition team among its top staff.
Chicago Mayor Johnson’s commitment to Chicago as a sanctuary city, where immigrants, migrants, and refugees are welcomed, is a central theme of his campaign. He believes that the city must honor its promises and ensure the well-being of all its residents.
However, the “sanctuary city” designation has also led to criticism, with Republican governors like Greg Abbott of Texas even considering busing undocumented immigrants to Chicago.
Responding to such concerns, former mayor Lori Lightfoot issued an emergency declaration regarding the influx of migrants shortly before leaving office in May.
Nevertheless, Johnson’s administration attributes the increase in undocumented immigrants not to the city’s sanctuary policies, but rather to the consequences of failed U.S. foreign policy and destabilization in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Beyond his immigration policies, Chicago Mayor Johnson’s background as a teachers’ union organizer and his support for defunding the police have defined his political career.
As Chicago Mayor, he intends to introduce a transaction tax, which would impose a fee on financial transactions. However, this proposition has already faced opposition, with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange threatening to relocate if the tax is implemented.
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