Andrea Carolina Sevilla and her family left their native Venezuela in search of a better education for her in the United States. However, since arriving in Chicago five months ago, they have been unable to enroll her in school. The family went from sleeping on the floor of a police station to a crowded shelter and then to a house on the Far South Side before returning to the police station due to financial difficulties. Andrea’s stepfather, Michael Castejon, couldn’t find a job that paid enough without a work permit. Frustrated with their situation, the family has decided to leave Chicago and return to Venezuela, joining the growing number of migrants who are leaving the city in search of a better life elsewhere.
Castejon expressed his disappointment with the lack of opportunities in Chicago, stating, “The American Dream doesn’t exist anymore. There’s nothing here for us.” Many migrants have realized that the city is at a breaking point, with limited space in shelters and opposition from some residents to opening more shelters for them. Castejon said that despite the dangerous journey they took to get to the United States, the benefits and opportunities he had heard about from other migrants never materialized.
In recent months, Catholic Charities of Chicago has helped at least 40 people, including Andrea’s family, leave the city and relocate to other states with the assistance of state funds. However, while some migrants are choosing to leave, many more continue to arrive in Chicago every week. The situation has created a revolving door for taxpayers, as Catholic Charities of Chicago uses Illinois taxpayer money to transport migrants who want to return to Texas or other states, while Catholic Charities of San Antonio and the city of Denver use federal taxpayer money to send new migrants to Chicago.
Castejon and his family arrived in Chicago in June and initially stayed at the 1st District police station before being transferred to Wright College with other asylum-seekers. They later moved into a house with the help of a city voucher program but became homeless again when the rental assistance vanished. Despite their efforts to settle in the city, the family was unable to find stability or secure jobs.
Castejon expressed his frustration at not being able to provide for his wife and daughter and decided that it was better to return to Venezuela, where they would at least have family support. The family contacted Catholic Charities for assistance in returning home and were relieved when they received approval and plane tickets.
The disappointment and sense of powerlessness that Castejon experienced are shared by many migrants, according to Brayan Lozano, head of the volunteer group of the Police Station Response Team at the 1st District station. While some migrants are leaving, others still hope to find shelter, access public services, and pursue the American Dream.
The migrant crisis in Chicago has sparked debate, with a proposed ballot question asking whether the city should maintain its designation as a sanctuary city. Immigrant- and Black-led groups gathered to urge solidarity in responding to the crisis and to advocate for resources and support for immigrants in the city.
One Venezuelan teacher, who came to Chicago in September seeking a better life for her family, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity but also called for continued support and resources for immigrants in the city.
