Submitted By
Dr. Danielle Walker, Chief DEI Officer
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Motion to Establish a Village Emergency Task Force and Fund for Asylum Seekers
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Overview
Overview
Trustee Enyia has brought forth a motion to establish a Village emergency task force and fund to aid in supporting asylum seekers. This motion was seconded by Trustee Straw.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
N/A
Background
Since August 2022, more than 17,000 migrants have arrived to the city of Chicago seeking asylum. The State of Texas has been sending migrants to various cities across the U.S. Asylum seekers are defined as "an individual who crossed the Mexico/U.S. border on or after August 1, 2022, with the intent to stay permanently, and who does not possess any permanent or interim U.S. legal status (which does not include being in parole status), such as legal permanent residency, a student or work visa, etc. Refugee status or asylum may be granted to people who have been persecuted or fear they will be persecuted on account of race, religion, nationality, and/or membership in a particular social group or political opinion. Migrants that have arrived need access to shelter, food, healthcare, legal support, and overall wraparound services.
Fiscal Impact
N/A
DEI Impact
This humanitarian crisis continues to impact many communities across the country. Those arriving from the U.S/Mexico border are women, men, and children who have fled their home countries and endured a journey over 2,5000 miles. There are several key areas of support of which migrants are in need, including housing, food, health access, legal services, and overall wraparound support. Heightened attention is also needed in regards to language access.
Alternatives
N/A
Previous Board Action
The Village of Oak Park took the initiative to apply for the Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services (SMASS) grant in the amount of $7.5 million t...
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