Black Chicagoans Speak Up About Immigration During the DNC

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Aug 28, 2024, 11:54 ET

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Andre Barnes, the HBCU Engagement Director for NumbersUSA, roamed the Windy City during the DNC to interview Black Chicagoans about the ongoing migrant crisis. An 11-minute highlight clip is available here.

"I spoke to folks who've watched their neighborhoods transform as migrants fill hotels and apartments, despite pushback from Black residents," said Andre. "There's an overwhelming sense that the government favors migrants over Black families, and that 'the people who run this city don't care what Black people think.'"

Over 47,000 migrants have arrived via flights or buses from Texas alone in the past two years, with thousands more arriving from other states. Chicago has spent more than $460 million on housing, food, and other benefits for these new arrivals. And the burden continues to grow. The city government set up 17 temporary shelters -- roughly one every six days -- in the weeks leading up to the convention.

Andre, together with political writer and strategy consultant Dr. Pamela Denise Long, conducted "man-on-the-street" interviews with dozens of Black residents, meeting everywhere from doorsteps and sidewalks to coffee shops and living rooms.

"Black Chicagoans are all too familiar with the drawbacks of mass immigration," said Andre Barnes. "We came to Chicago to tell their stories."

To request an interview with Andre, please contact Emeline Bogle at (202) 970-9742 or [email protected].

About NumbersUSA

NumbersUSA supports a balanced immigration system that welcomes the spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, is responsive to acute refugee crises, attracts those with extraordinary ability and talents, addresses temporary labor shortages, protects the most vulnerable, and is enforced. NumbersUSA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that believes better immigration policy is possible. Focused exclusively on immigration reform, NumbersUSA is America's largest single-issue advocacy group with over 8 million grassroots members and supporters spread across every congressional district. Founded solely by Roy Beck in 1996 to promote civil debate on the immigration recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform -- chaired by civil rights icon Barbara Jordan -- NumbersUSA continues to advocate for sensible immigration policies that ensure Americans' safety, promote economic fairness, while conserving the environment and quality of life.

Media Contact:
Emeline Bogle
(202) 970-9742
[email protected]

SOURCE NumbersUSA