70 Asylum Seekers From Texas Sheltered At Burbank Hotel

BURBANK, IL — Approximately 70 asylum seekers arrived Thursday in Burbank from Texas, and are currently being sheltered in a hotel. Among the group are 33 children, many of whom arrived with just the T-shirts on their backs.

Burbank Mayor Dan Foy confirmed the migrants’ arrival and said they are from Venezuela. The immigrants are expected to stay at the Best Western Inn and Suites near Chicago-Midway Airport for the next 30 days.

“We got notified by the governor’s gov office that they were coming yesterday,” Foy said. “What people don’t understand is that state supersedes local. There is nothing we can do about it.”

>>> How To Donate To Asylum Seekers Arriving In Chicago From Texas

The mayor told Patch he’s received some email and calls from residents complaining about “busloads of illegals” getting off at the Best Western in Burbank.

“There were not busloads,” Foy said. “There are about 16 families.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services is paying for the hotel. There are human services staff with the families every day at the Best Western in Burbank. Dist. 111 schools have also been alerted. Foy said the migrants staying at the motel have all gone through an extensive screening process.

The migrants have been given asylum-seeking status that will require future court proceedings until their requests for sanctuary are granted. They are among the refugees that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been busing to New York City, Washington and Chicago. Led by a socialist dictator, Venezuela has seen its standard of living plunge over the last couple of decades.

A spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Human Services said Venezuelan migrants are legally allowed in the country by the federal government.

“Our first priority is to provide food, shelter and medical assistant,” said Marisa Kollias of IDPHS. “Illinois is a welcoming state, and we’re going to treat them with respect and dignity.”

Since Aug. 31, more than 3,000 asylum seekers have arrived in the Chicago area from Texas. The new arrivals include individuals, families, children and infants seeking refuge. With winter approaching, many of the new arrivals will need winter coats and warm clothing along with other essential items.

They are among the refugees that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been busing to New York City, Washington and Chicago. They were allowed in the country by the federal government.

The City of Chicago has launched a website with information on volunteer opportunities and how to donate goods at Chicago.gov/Support. Residents and organizations can purchase items directly from an Amazon Wish List set up by Instituto del Progreso Latino as part of their New Arrival Response Effort in partnership with the city and nonprofit partners working to welcome new arrivals. You can find the Wish List by clicking Rapid Response Wish List on Amazon or at InstitutoChicago.org.

The Cook County Health Foundation is also accepting donations to help asylum seekers move forward, by providing health screenings and services to meet their immediate basic needs. Online donations can be made to the 2022 Migrant Campaign. Funds will be used to purchase diapers, baby food, underwear, clothing, shoes and more.