Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging federal intervention to address the increasing numbers of asylum seekers arriving in the state. In the letter dated October 2, Governor Pritzker emphasized the need for federal support in dealing with the humanitarian crisis that is currently being shouldered by state and local governments without assistance.
Over the past 13 months, Illinois has seen more than 15,000 asylum seekers arrive, with a growing number being sent to Chicago on a daily basis. While Pritzker praised the resilience and generosity of the people of Illinois in extending a helping hand to those in need, he highlighted the unsustainable pressure this influx has placed on state and local resources, especially as the state continues to grapple with the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Governor expressed his concern over the lack of federal support, noting that the state government has already dedicated over $330 million to provide humanitarian aid, while the city of Chicago has contributed an additional $100 million. Despite these efforts, many asylum seekers are left without shelter, resorting to sleeping in police stations and on sidewalks.
To address this crisis, Pritzker proposed several solutions in his letter to President Biden. One of the key proposals is the appointment of a federal official in the White House to oversee the nation's efforts at the border. This official would streamline communications and ensure efficient coordination between the various departments currently involved.
Pritzker also highlighted specific requests, including the waiver of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) application fees due to the high costs for many migrants, better logistical coordination and data collection by the federal government, addressing the disparity between FEMA funding and the actual needs, quicker employment authorization processes, and approval on Illinois' pending requests for Medicaid waivers, housing vouchers, and federal coordination, which have largely remained unanswered and put additional pressure on state resources.
In conclusion, Governor Pritzker's letter to President Biden serves as a plea for federal intervention in addressing the asylum seeker crisis. He emphasizes the importance of a coordinated, national effort to manage this humanitarian challenge and calls on the Biden administration to take action not just for Illinois, but for all states shouldering the responsibility of the asylum seekers' welfare.
