SUMMARY

Chicago is dealing with a surge of migrants from the southern border. About 27,000 migrants have arrived in the city since August 2022. It’s proving to be a serious burden and city and state leaders have often been at odds over how to respond. William Brangham reports.

For a transcript of this story, click here.

News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM UP QUESTIONS

1. Who are some of the migrants profiled in this story, and why did they migrate to the U.S.?
2. Where did many of these migrants arrive and seek asylum before being bussed to Chicago?
3. How many migrants have arrived in the city since August 2022?
4. What are some of the things charitable organizations are doing in Chicago to support new migrants?
5. Why does Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson say the Federal government "has to do more" for cities like Chicago?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

What policies do you think the Federal government should adopt to help with the spike of migration in places like Chicago and Texas?

Media literacy: How could you find out more about the reasons migration into the U.S. has increased in recent years? What is driving migration from places like Venezuela?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

FOR MORE

What students can do: How does the struggle with housing migrants in Chicago compare to some other cities, including their response and requests from the Federal government? Watch the video below about New York City's response, and discuss the differences between the two cities.

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