>>> GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO CHICAGO TONIGHT, I AM PARIS SCHUTZ, TRANTER IS ON ASSIGNMENT.

>> CONGRATULATIONS, IT WAS A LONG TIME COMING.

>> CITY COUNCIL APPROVES FUNDING FOR THE REDLINE EXTENSION ON THE SOUTH SIDE.

>>> IT IS HARD TO REALLY LOVE SOMEBODY , YOU THINK EVERYBODY IS JUST GOING TO LEAVE YOU.

>> BLACK YOUTH MAKE UP A DISPROPORTIONATE NUMBER OF FOSTER CHILDREN AT COOK COUNTY.

WE WILL LOOK AT WHY THAT IS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS.

>>> INVESTIGATION SHOWS THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT DENIED AT ANY OTHER CITY.

>>> THESE ARE ALL THE ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE SOMEONE INSPIRED AND DISCOVER WHAT OPPORTUNITY THERE MIGHT BE.

>> WE TORE A NEW YOUTH IN CENTER COMING UP.

A STEP OF APPROVAL FOR THE LONG ANTICIPATED REDLINE EXTENSION ON THE SOUTH SIDE, THAT IS RIGHT AFTER THIS.

>>> IT IS FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR THE PROPERTY TAX TO FUND THE $3.6 BILLION EXTENSION OF THE CTA REDLINE FROM 95th STREET TO THE SOUTHERN BORDER NEAR 130th.

JUST 1% OF THE VOTE, THE PROJECT HAS BEEN IN THE WORKS SINCE THE 1950s AND FINALLY HAS CLEARANCE.

I MOVED CELEBRATED BY MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT.

>> I JUST WANT TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FAR SOUTH SIDE.

IT IS A LONG, LONG TIME COMING.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY NEEDED.

>> OUR REPORTER JOINTS IS NOW FROM CITY HALL WITH THE DETAILS AND MORE FROM TODAY'S LANDMARK CITY COUNCIL MEETING.

HEATHER, THIS HAS BEEN TALKED ABOUT GOING BACK TO THE DAYS OF THE FORMER MAYOR RICHARD J. DALEY.

LET'S LISTEN TO WHAT ALDERMAN ANTHONY BEALE HAD TO SAY ABOUT THIS.

>> IF SO, THIS IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYBODY TO WRITE THE WRONG , TO TURN THE SHIP AROUND AND PUT IT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND MAKE SURE OUR COMMUNITY GETS THE FAIR SHARE.

>> HEATHER, IT LOOKED LIKE THIS MIGHT NOT HAPPEN AND NOW THE VOTE PASSES WITH ALL BUT ONE VOTE, HOW DID THIS HAPPEN TODAY?

>> THE FEAR WAS THAT IF THE CITY COUNCIL DID NOT ACT BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR THAT THE CITY WOULD LOSE A $2.1 BILLION FEDERAL GRANT WHICH WILL MAKE UP THE BULK OF THE COST OF THIS MASSIVE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT.

TO GET THAT MONEY, THE CITY HAS TO PUT ITS OWN SKIN IN THE GAME AND THAT WILL COME IN THE FORM OF $959 MILLION FROM TAX INCREMENTS , FINANCING DISTRICTS, NEAR DOWNTOWN CHICAGO.

THEY WILL MOVE THAT MANY FROM THE CENTER OF THE CITY TO THE FAR SOUTH SIDE OF THE CITY AND THAT IS WHAT MOST OF THE CONTROVERSY WAS ABOUT.

>> WE HAD ALDERWOMAN PAT DOWELL ON THE SHOW LAST NIGHT WHO WAS OPPOSED FOR THAT VERY REASON.

>> SHE DID NOT SPEAK DURING THE DEBATE WHICH FEATURED A LIVELY DEFENSE OF CHICAGO PULLING TOGETHER , ALL IN THE SAME DIRECTION.

AND NO LONGER SEEMS THAT CHICAGO IS PURELY A CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS EACH WITH THEIR OWN INTEREST, BUT ONE BIG CITY WORKING TO MAKE EQUALITY OF ALL.

>> CERTAINLY THE CASE HAS BEEN MADE THAT THIS EXTENSION WILL AFFECT THE WHOLE CITY, NOT JUST THE SOUTH SIDE.

ANOTHER HUGE PROJECT THAT PROPONENTS SAY IT WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE WHOLE CITY.

THE CASINO PASSED WITH FLYING COLORS TODAY.

>> IT WAS 39-5.

THOSE FIVE VOTES CAME FROM ALDER PEOPLE WHO DID NOT SUPPORT THE CASINO IN THE FIRST PLACE.

THIS IS THE APPROVAL TO TRANSFORM THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE NEWSROOM INTO A CASINO AND RESORT.

IT WILL BE FULL OF HOTEL ROOMS, A RIVER WALK, EVENT SPACE AND 4000 GAMBLING POSITIONS SO WE CAN ALL TRY OUR LUCK.

ONCE IT OPENS, IT WILL BE 23 SIX.

>> IT ALSO HAS TO TRY IS LIKE WITH THE GAMING BOARD WHICH HAS TO FIND APPROVAL HERE.

TODAY THE CITY COUNCIL HAD A LOT OF URGENCY FOR THESE BIG TWO ITEMS.

THERE IS A MAYORAL ELECTION COMING UP SOON.

DID THAT HAVE TO COME UP WITH THE URGENCY OF THESE TWO CRACKS >> IT IS ALL ABOUT POLITICS, AT LEAST FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.

THESE ISSUES WILL NO DOUBT BE CHAMPION BY MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT AND THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE RUNNING FOR REELECTION.

THEY CAN HELP CHICAGO AND GET THINGS DONE AND MOVE THINGS FORWARD.

LOOK FOR SHOTS OF CASINOS AND THE TRAINS COMING TO TELEVISION ADS NEAR YOU PRETTY SOON.

>> MAY BE BETTER THAT THAN PIZZA BOXES.

>>> THE CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMED THE APPOINTMENT OF ANNABELLE TO REPLACE A FORMER ALDERMAN TO REPRESENT THE CITY'S FAULT DISTRICT.

LET'S SEE WHAT SHE HAD TO SAY TO HER NEW COLLEAGUES.

>> HARD WORK, INTEGRITY, LOVE OF FAMILY , LOVE OF OUR CITY AND UPLIFTING OTHERS.

THESE ARE THE PRINCIPLES AND VALUES THAT I WAS TAUGHT AS A CHILD.

>> THE MAYOR APPOINTS HER TO FILL THIS OPEN POSITION JUST BEFORE THE ELECTION, DOES I GIVE HER A LEG UP FOR TRYING TO WIN THAT SEAT OUT RIGHT?

>> IT ABSOLUTELY DOES.

IT IS ALWAYS EASIER TO RUN FOR OFFICE AS AN INCUMBENT IN A CHALLENGER.

THIS IS GOING TO BE ONE OF THE HARDEST FOUGHT RACES ON THE CITY COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY.

SHE FACES TWO CHALLENGERS, INCLUDING JULIO RAMIREZ, WHO WON THE ENDORSEMENT .

ONE OF THE BIGGEST ORGANIZATIONS HERE IN CHICAGO.

THEY'RE LOOKING TO FLIP THAT SEAT FROM ONE THAT NORMALLY BOATS WITH THE MAYOR TO ONE THAT IS WILLING TO VOTE FOR A WHOLE HOST OF PROGRESSIVE ISSUES, INCLUDING AN EXPANSION OF THE CITIES PUBLICLY RUN MENTAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES.

>> A LOT OF ISSUES AROUND McKINLEY PARK IN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.

THOSE WILL BE CONTENTIOUS IN THIS RACE.

HEATHER, A FULL DAY IN CITY COUNCIL, THANKS FOR JOINING US.

>> THANKS, PARIS.

>> YOU CAN READ THE FULL COVERAGE ON OUR WEBSITE, IT'S ALWAYS AT WTTW.COM.

>>> THERE WERE MORE THAN 4000 BLACK FOSTER CHILDREN IN COOK COUNTY.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH STUDENTS AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, THE McGILL SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM LOOKS AT THE POTENTIAL SOLUTION TO THIS DISPARITY.

HERE IS AVA THOMPSON GREENWELL.

>> IT IS JUST CHALLENGING BECAUSE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU DON'T HAVE A HOME, YOUR MOVING PLACE TO PLACE.

I HAVE BEEN GOING PLACE TO PLACE AND IT IS HARD TO REALLY LOVE SOMEBODY , I DON'T KNOW, YOU THINK EVERYBODY IS JUST GOING TO LEAVE YOU.

>> Reporter: 20 YEAR OLD MIKELL HAS SPENT MOST OF HIS LIFE IN FOSTER CARE IN COOK COUNTY.

YOUTH ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN 70% OF THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM.

AFRICAN AMERICANS MAKE UP 23% OF THE TOTAL COUNTY POPULATION.

A 30-YEAR-OLD COUNCILMEMBER ENTERED FOSTER CARE AT AGE 13 AFTER HIS MOTHER WAS INCARCERATED.

HE STAYED IN THE SYSTEM FOR 6 YEARS.

>> I CRIED AT A POINT EARLY ON OF BEING IN FOSTER CARE.

>> Reporter: DISPARITIES LET HIM THERE.

>> THIS HAD TO DO WITH BROADER SYSTEMS THAT BREAKS UP FAMILIES AND RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO BLACK FAMILIES.

>> Reporter: STUDIES SHOW THE POVERTY LEASE TO BLACK CHILDREN ENTERING THE FOSTER SYSTEM AT A HIGHER RATE.

FOSTER MOTHER KATE DANIELSON IS A FOUNDER OF A NONPROFIT, FOSTER PROGRESS.

HER ORGANIZATION EMPOWERS FOSTER YOUTH TO TRANSITION INTO ADULTHOOD.

SHE SAYS PEOPLE EXPERIENCING POVERTY OFTEN FACE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICES.

>> IF YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN GOING TO WORK AND HAVING LIKE A SAFE CHILDCARE SITUATION FOR YOUR CHILDREN, WHAT ARE YOU MEANT TO DO?

>> Reporter: THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS 18-YEAR-OLD WHOSE MOTHER WAS A TEENAGER WHEN SHE WAS BORN.

SHE TOLD US SHE SEES BLACK FAMILIES GETTING TORN APART MORE QUICKLY THAN OTHERS.

>> WHEN I GO BACK TO READ MY ARTICLES, IT MAKES ME SAD.

>> Reporter: ROBINSON HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WHEN HE WAS SEVEN YEARS OLD.

HE WAS ACCEPTED INTO MORE COMPETITIVE SCHOOL FAR FROM HIS HOME.

>> I USED TO COMMUTE AND SOMEBODY ENDED UP CATCHING ME BECAUSE I TRAVELED MYSELF ON THE TRAIN AND THE BUS.

I HAD TO GO TO THE SHELTER.

>> Reporter: MULTIPLE STUDIES SHOW THE BLACK CHILDREN ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY TAKEN FROM THEIR FAMILIES DUE TO RACIAL BIAS IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

>> DOCTORS ARE MORE LIKELY TO SEE AN ENTRY ON A BLACK CHILD AND REPORT THAT AS ABUSE.

WHAT THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS TO BLACK MEN , THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM , IS TO BLACK WOMEN.

>> Reporter: IS AWARE OF THESE BIASES AND IS TRYING TO ADDRESS THEM.

IN 2020, OFFICIALS LAUNCHED ANNUAL IMPLICIT BIAS TRAINING FOR ITS FRONTLINE STAFF.

>> WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR STAFF TAKE THIS TRAINING AND GIVE US A BASELINE SO WE CAN BE FAMILIAR WITH SOME OF THE BIASES WE MAY HAVE TO TRY TO WORK THOSE THINGS OUT.

>> Reporter: ALMOST ALL EXPERIENCE SOME FORM OF TRAUMA AS A ENTER FOSTER CARE.

>> TRUST ISSUES , LACKING EMPATHY AT TIMES.

>> YOU MOVE FROM YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR SUPPORT FAMILIES.

>> Reporter: THE LOSS OF THEIR BIRTH FAMILY AND OTHER FAMILIAR SUPPORT NETWORKS CAN AFFECT CHILDREN'S BRAINS, BODIES AND BEHAVIOR.

>> THE STIGMA, ESPECIALLY EARLY ON OF BEING A FOSTER CHILD AND DEALING WITH THE FACT THAT I HAVE PARENTS WHO ARE IN PRISON AND I WAS A FOSTER CHILD IN MY GRANDPARENT JUST PASSED AWAY.

>> Reporter: IT CAN LEAD TO DESPERATION IN YOUNG CHILDREN TURNING TO DRUGS, CRIMES AND OTHER HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES.

ONE IN FOUR FOSTER CHILDREN WILL BE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 19 AND 21.

ONE IN FIVE REPORT BEING INCARCERATED.

BY AGE 21, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS 43% FOR FOSTER CHILDREN.

THAT IS 12 TIMES THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.

>> I THOUGHT BY THE AGE OF 24, I WOULD BE DEAD OR IN PRISON.

>> Reporter: THERE MORE LIKELY TO DIE BEFORE THEY REACH ADULTHOOD, REGARDLESS OF RACE.

LIKE MANY FOSTER CHILDREN, READ AGED OUT OF THE SYSTEM AND WAS ON HIS OWN AT AGE 21.

HE SAYS THIS PRESENTED PREVENTED HIM FROM GOING TO COLLEGE.

>> I WAS IN COLLEGE FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND I HAD TO DROP OUT BECAUSE I COULD NO LONGER AFFORD TO STATE IN COLLEGE AND GO TO SCHOOL FULL-TIME.

>> Reporter: THE VAST MAJORITY THAT DO NOT EARN COLLEGE DEGREES DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS OFFERS THEM FREE TUITION AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.

LESSON 3% OF FOSTER CHILDREN GRADUATE COLLEGE.

>> IT IS IMPORTANT TO ME BECAUSE I'M TRYING TO BE A PERSON TO GO TO COLLEGE.

>> Reporter: COLLEGE IS KEY TO ECONOMIC STABILITY.

>> EDUCATION IS ONLY THE GREAT EQUALIZER IF WE ALL HAVE ACCESS TO IT, EQUAL ACCESS.

AND WE DON'T.

>> Reporter: SHE FOUND IT HER NONPROFIT AS ONE SOLUTION OR THE NONPROFIT PEERS FOSTER YOUTH WITH MENTORS TO GUIDE THEM THROUGH THE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS.

ALAN SAYS HAVING A MENTOR GAVE HER A SENSE OF COMFORT.

>> HAVING A TRUST ISSUE AND ME BEING ABLE TO TRUST HER, I FEEL LIKE I CAN TRUST HER.

I CAN SAY SHE GETS THE BEST VERSION OF ME OUT OF ANYBODY THAT I KNOW.

>> Reporter: HER MENTOR SAYS THEY TAUGHT MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY AND SHE IS TRYING TO HELP ALAN DEVELOP A SKIN CARE BUSINESS AND GAIN CONFIDENCE .

>> NO MATTER WHAT SHE DOES, IT IS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

>> Reporter: OF THE 105 STATESMAN TOWARDS TO THE NONPROFIT IN THE PAST SIX YEARS, DANIELSON SAYS AT LEAST 80% HAVE ENROLLED IN COLLEGE EACH YEAR.

>> A COLLEGE EDUCATION, IT NOT ONLY AFFECTS INDIVIDUAL WHO GOES ON TO ACHIEVE IN HIGHER EDUCATION, BUT IT AFFECTS THEIR FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

>> Reporter: HIS FOSTER MENTOR IN HIS CURRENT FOSTER FAMILY ARE HELPING HIM SUCCEED IN COLLEGE AND ARE PART OF HIS SUPPORT SYSTEM.

>> IT WAS HARD, I COULDN'T TRUST ANYBODY WHEN I WAS MOVING HOUSE TO HOUSE.

EVERY TIME I GOT COMFORTABLE, I ENDED UP LEAVING.

WHEN I CAME HERE I ENDED UP HAVING A HOME.

>> Reporter: I AM AVA THOMPSON GREENWELL.

>> AND THANKS AGAIN TO THE STUDENTS AT NORTHWESTERN WHO REPORTED THE STORY.

>>> WHY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS DENYING SCORES OF UNDOCUMENTED CRIME VICTIMS.

PLEASE STAY WITH US.

>>> A RECENT INVESTIGATION BY INJUSTICE WATCH 5C POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN PREVENTING UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS WHO WERE VICTIMS OF CRIMES, FROM QUALIFYING TO APPLY FOR TEMPORARY LEGAL STATUS.

IMMIGRANTS WHO ARE VICTIMS AND COOPERATE WITH LOW FORSTMANN ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE WHAT IS CALLED A VISA WHICH GIVES THEM TO VERY STATUS.

THEY ARE DENYING THEM AT RATES FAR HIGHER THAN ANY OTHER CITY IN MULTIPLE DENIES HAVE COME FROM OFFICERS WHO HAD MISCONDUCT ISSUES.

JOINING US TO TALK ABOUT THIS ARE CARLOS , A REPORTER WHO INVESTIGATED THIS FOR INJUSTICE WATCH.

JOE FERGUSON, A FOUNDER OF THE ORGANIZATION LEAVE CHICAGO.

AND TERESA, A LEGAL PROJECT MANAGER AT A CHICAGO-BASED NATIONAL IMMIGRANT CENTER.

WE ALSO INVITED THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE MAYOR , BUT THEY DECLINED.

THEY DID SEND STATEMENTS WHICH WILL READ OFF SHORTLY.

DEFINE, WHAT IS A UVISA?

>> IT WAS CREATED BACK IN 2013 TO STRENGTHEN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE IMMIGRANT UNITIES IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT .

THERE ARE MANY BARRIERS AND SO IT WAS CREATED TO ELIMINATE THIS BARRIERS.

THE CERTIFICATION IS THE FIRST PIECE OF THAT PIE.

A VICTIM OF A CRIME NEEDS TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATION SIGNED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT DEMONSTRATES THEY HAVE BEEN HELPFUL OR ARE BEING HELPFUL OR LIKELY TO BE HELPFUL IN THE INVESTIGATION OF THE CRIME.

>> THEY NEED THAT CERTIFICATION AND THEN THEY NEED TO GO TO THE AUTHORITIES TO GET THE VISA.

THE VISA GIVES THEM TEMPORARY STATUS HERE AND THEN THEY CAN APPLY FOR GREEN CARD AS I UNDERSTAND.

CARLOS, YOUR STORY FOLLOWED AND UNDOCUMENTED VICTIM WHO WAS A VICTIM OF A STABBING.

THAT MADE HIM ELIGIBLE FOR THE VISA AND HE WAS DENIED.

>> THE GUY I FOLLOWED WAS A 30-YEAR-OLD TRUCK DRIVER WHO WAS STABBED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AFTER HE PULLED OVER HIS TRUCK TO FISH THE ISSUE WITH HIS BRAKES.

HE HELPED THE POLICE AS MUCH AS HE COULD, HE ANSWERED THEIR QUESTIONS.

HE ANSWERED AND TRIED TO GET THE CERTIFICATION, HE KEPT RUNNING INTO PROBLEMS AND WAS DENIED FOUR TIMES.

THE POLICE SAID HE NEEDED TO PROVE HIS IDENTITY WHICH IS PRETTY NORMAL.

HE BROUGHT HIS DOCUMENTS.

AFTER THEY TOLD HIM THAT THE DETECTIVE WHO CALLED HIM AND HE DID NOT ANSWER AND HE RESPONDED WITH THE SWORN AFFIDAVIT SAYING HE WAS ABLE TO HELP.

THEY THEN WERE ASKED TO REOPEN HIS CASE.

THE FUN OF THE NAIL SAID THAT HE THE INFORMATION HE PROVIDED WAS NOT CREDIBLE.

EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD REOPENED HIS CASE, THE INFORMATION HE GAVE WAS NOT CREDIBLE.

>> HE DOES HAVE TWO APPROVED THE CERTIFICATION, HERE THEY ARE SAY NOT CREDIBLE AND DESPITE ALL OF THIS HE DOESN'T MEET THE CRITERIA.

JOE, IT TURNS OUT FROM THE REPORTING THAT THEY DON'T KEEP A LOT OF RECORDS ON THIS OF THE RECORDS HE WAS ABLE TO FIND SHOW THAT CPD DENIED A VISA AT HIGHER RATES THAN OTHER CITIES.

>> WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE PROGRAM AND HOW IT WAS ACTUALLY MENACED IN THE FIRST PLACE.

I THINK THE IMPORTANCE OF HIS STORY, THIS IS THE CONFLUENCE OF THREE THINGS THAT ACTUALLY IS CHICAGO'S IDENTITY AT THIS TIME AND REFLEXES CURRENT CHALLENGES IN HIS FUTURE.

ONE IS, THIS IS A SANCTUARY CITY.

WE ACTUALLY INVITE PEOPLE TO COME TO THE CITY.

WE HAVE A WELCOMING CITY ORDINANCE AND A LOT OF THINGS ARE THERE TO SUPPORT THEM.

THERE A VULNERABLE POPULATION AS THEY COME UNDOCUMENTED.

THEN THERE ARE VICTIMS OF CRIME, THAT MUCH MORE VULNERABLE.

THE ATTEMPTS TO COOPERATE OF THE CRIME, THAT IS THE SECOND THING.

THIS IS A TIME OF VERY HIGH CRIME IN THE CITY.

THE THIRD IS THE COMPETENCY OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CPD.

IN THE SITUATION , IT HAS PEOPLE WITH DISCIPLINARY BACKGROUNDS ACTUALLY OVERSEEING THIS PROBLEM .

>> WE WILL GET TO THAT BECAUSE THE TWO OFFICERS THAT REPRESENTED THE BULK OF THE DENIALS HERE, THEY HAVE SIGNIFICANT MISCONDUCT ISSUES.

I WANT TO ASK YOU, HOW MANY IMMIGRANTS ARE ELIGIBLE ?

>> UNFORTUNATELY, THERE IS A LARGE BACKLOG OF APPLICATIONS AT THE IMMIGRATION FEDERAL.

IT CAN ONLY GRANT 10,000 VISAS PER YEAR.

WITH EACH PASSING DAY, THE WAITLIST GETS LONGER.

WE ARE SEEING APPROVAL FOR A THING IS WHO APPLIED BACK IN 2016 RIGHT NOW.

IT WILL BE AT LEAST SIX YEARS, MORE LIKELY CLOSER TO 10 FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE APPLYING TODAY.

IF IT WAS DENIED AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER SIX MONTHS BECAUSE YOU APPEAL , THAT IS REALLY ADDING TO THE WAIT TIME YOU WILL BE WAITING FOR THE VISA.

>> THIS IS A LONG PROCESS.

CARLOS, TODAY'S TWO POLICE OFFICERS YOU FOUND THAT WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BULK OF THESE DENIALS, THEY HAVE BIG-TIME MISCONDUCT PROBLEMS.

>> THE TWO SERGEANTS I FOUND WHO HAD DENIED MOST OF THE CERTIFICATION REQUEST I OBTAINED WERE UP FOR BEING TERMINATED FROM THE DEPARTMENT IN 2018, BUT BOTH WERE CLEARED.

DESPITE THE FACT THAT INVESTIGATORS RAISE SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR CREDIBILITY AS POLICE OFFICERS.

AFTER THEY CLEARED THEM , THEY WERE PUT IN THIS POSITION AS CERTIFIERS.

THEY HAVE BEEN THERE SINCE.

THIS IS KIND OF LIKE THE DESK DUTY THEY'RE GETTING.

>> JOE, WANT TO READ OFF A STATEMENT FROM THE MAYOR AND THE CPD SENT US.

THE MAYOR SAYS, , QUOTE, WHEN CONCERNS WERE RAISED ABOUT CERTIFICATION DENIALS, THE MAYOR ORDERED A REVIEW OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND THE CITY WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH ADVOCATES TO PROVIDE ANY NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE POLICY OR TRAINING TO ENSURE A PERMIT ACCESS TO THIS LEGAL REMEDY TO ENSURE WE ARE LIVING OUR VALUES OF THE CITY.

CPD SAID, QUOTE, WE RECOGNIZE CONNECTING OUR MOST AUDIBLE VICTIMS TO APPROPRIATE SOURCES AND RESOURCES.

CPD WILL WORK TO ENSURE THAT THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FEDERAL GUIDELINES .

YOUR UNDERSTANDING, IS CPD ADDRESSING THIS AND WHAT IS HER OVERSIGHT OF THIS PROCESS?

>> THE ANSWER HAS TO BE NO.

IN RESPECT TO THE MAYOR'S OFFICE, YOU WOULD NOT EXPECT FOR THIS SORT OF SMALLER PROGRAM TO BE SOMETHING THAT IS ON THE RADAR SCREEN.

THAT GOES TO WHAT HAPPENS OF VULNERABLE POPULATIONS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.

THEY DON'T HAVE ADVOCATES FOR THEM.

IT IS NOW IN THE MAYOR'S OFFICE RADAR SCREEN.

THEY WILL LOOKING TO SEE WHAT IS DONE.

THE STATEMENT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW WITH REQUIREMENTS , THE FACT IS THAT TO THIS POINT THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE REQUIREMENTS WITH SUFFICIENT TRANSPARENCY .

THE PEOPLE ARE RUNNING THE PROGRAM , AND I KNOW FROM THAT STATEMENT THAT NOTHING IS SAID ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ACTUALLY IN THIS PROGRAM AS CARLOS NOTED, THEIR BACKGROUNDS INVOLVE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS OF THEIR VERACITY.

THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS A BROADER CONTROVERSY IN THE CITY RIGHT NOW.

RULE 14 VIOLATIONS.

RIGHT NOW, THERE WAS A PUBLIC EVENT WHICH SOMEONE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROUD BOYS WHO WAS RECOMMENDED FOR FIRING OR IN CONSIDERATION FOR FIRING FOR HAVING LIED ABOUT THAT ASSOCIATION.

WITH DISCIPLINE FOR ONLY TWO WEEKS.

THAT IS A DISQUALIFICATION FOR SOMEONE WHO IS A POLICE OFFICER WHO STOP AT ITS CORE HAS TO BE THAT THEY ARE CREDIBLE AND GOING TO TESTIFY IN COURT.

NEW MEXICAN OF OVERSIGHT, TO YOUR UNDERSTANDING, THE ONE BEEN DEPORTED OF THIS, THEY SEEM ONLY QUALIFY FOR THE VISA AND THEY DIDN'T GET IT IN THEIR LEGAL STATUS IS JUST REVISED?

>> I CANNOT SPEAK TO CERTAIN CLIENTS BUT I'M SURE THAT SITUATION HAPPENS, CARLOS TAKES ABOUT THE CERTIFICATION, WE WORK WITH HUNDREDS OF APPLICANTS AND WE CAN HELP THEM THROUGH THIS APPEALS PROCESS.

THEY MAY NOT EVEN KNOW THE PILLS PROCESS EXISTS OR THEY MAY NOT HAVE THE FORTITUDE TO KEEP TRYING.

THESE ARE VULNERABLE PEOPLE.

THEY ARE PROBABLY AFRAID OF THE SYSTEM WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO BE CREATED TO HELP THEM.

>> ALL RIGHT, GREAT REPORTING, THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR BEING HERE.

UP NEXT WE TAKE YOU INSIGHT AND MASSIVE COMMUNITY CENTERS SAID TO OPEN IN THE AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD NEXT YEAR.

>>> FIRST, LOOK AT THE WEATHER.

>>> IT MIGHT LOOK LIKE AN ORDINARY GYM.

>> THIS IS A BIG SPACE WHERE YOU WILL SPEND A LOT OF TIME.

>> I KNOW IT'S JUST BASKETBALL BUT WE HOPE TO HAVE VOLLEYBALL AND.

>> Reporter: CRAWFORD WAS HIRED AS A SPORTS COORDINATOR FOR THE GYM FACILITY.

HE WAS 8 YEARS OLD WHEN HE STARTED TO PARTICIPATE WITH THE ORGANIZATION AFTER SCHOOL.

>> THEY DON'T TREAT YOU LIKE BENEATH THEM.

THEY TREAT YOU AS A GROWN PERSON WHO HAS ASPIRATIONS AND DREAMS.

>> Reporter: THE CEO WATCHED CRAWFORD GROW AND SAID YOUNG PEOPLE LIKE HIM ARE WHY HE WAS DRIVEN TO EXPAND BILLS.

>> TO SEE THE YOUNG PEOPLE AND TO KNOW THAT THEY ACTUALLY WANT TO WORK HERE, RIGHT, AS WELL.

THAT'S THE EXCITING PART.

YOU HAVE GENERATIONS THAT REACH BACK.

NOW, HE WILL REACH BACK TO THE NEXT GROUP OF YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN.

THAT WAS ME, I WAS YOU.

LET ME TELL YOU WHAT IT'S LIKE.

>> Reporter: IT'S A MASSIVE EXPANSION TO BUILD AN EXISTING CENTER IN THE AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD.

>> SO, WE ARE IN THE NEW BUILDING WHICH IS 56,000 SQUARE FEET.

WE ARE ON THE FIRST FLOOR.

BEHIND US IS THE CAFE.

WE WILL HAVE COFFEE, SANDWICHES, FOOD, YOU CAN COME IN, ALL THE SEATING HERE, HAVE YOUR MEETING.

YOUNG PEOPLE CAN GRAB A SMOOTHIE, WHATEVER IT MAY BE.

>> Reporter: THIS ADVERTISE THE GAME ROOM?

WHO DOESN'T LIKE A GAME ROOM.

>> WE WILL HAVE SUPER COOL FURNITURE OUT HERE.

WE HAVE A WALL THAT WE CAN CLOSE UP IF IT GETS LOUD OR HAVE A SPECIAL EVENT IN HERE.

>> Reporter: THE CAMPUS WILL INCLUDE MUSIC AND ART STUDIOS, THERAPY ROOMS AND A VARIETY OF CLASSES FOR ALL AGES.

>> THIS IS A HUGE INVESTMENT.

WE ARE EXCITED.

>> THINK POSITIVE.

>> SOMETHING POSITIVE.

SOMETHING FOR THEM TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT AND THE COMMUNITY TO SAY, WAIT, WE WANT TO STAY HERE.

LOOK AT THIS ASSET IN OUR COMMUNITY, RIGHT?

WE WANT OUR KIDS TO COME TO SCHOOL IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, HAVE THE COMMUNITY CENTER ACCESSIBLE TO THEM.

>> Reporter: THE ORGANIZATION STARTED IN 1969 IN AN EFFORT TO HELP TRANSFORM YOUNG PEOPLE'S LIVES.

>> TO PREVENT GANG VIOLENCE AND GET PEOPLE OFF THE STREETS.

THEY ALWAYS STICK TO THAT.

OVER THE PAST 10 TO 20 YEARS, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY HEALTH.

>> Reporter: NOT ONLY A YOUTH CENTER BUT A COMMUNITY HUB WHERE CRAWFORD SAYS FAMILIES WILL GET INVOLVED.

>> THEY GET TO BE HERE PRESENT, NOT JUST FROM AFFAIR.

OH, NICE COOL BUILDING.

COME HERE AND SEE WHAT IS GOING ON AND HOW IT AFFECTS EVERYBODY ELSE AROUND IT.

>> CHANGE WANT KIDS AND ESSENTIALLY CHANGE FAMILIES.

>> FAMILIES, ADULTS, PEOPLE, HOW THEY SPEND THEIR TIME, WHICH IS -- THIS IS A GOOD CAUSE HERE.

>> Reporter: FOR CHICAGO TONIGHT, I'M JOANNA HERNANDEZ.

>>> CHICAGO CAMPUS IN AUSTIN IS SET TO OPEN WITH A SPECIAL RIBBON CUTTING IN MID-JANUARY.

>>> WE ARE BACK TO WRAP THINGS UP AFTER THIS.

MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY ALEXANDRA AND JOHN NICHOLS.

THE JIM AND KAY NAVY FAMILY.

THE POLK BROTHERS FOUNDATION.

AND THE SUPPORT OF THESE DONORS.

>> THAT ADVERTISE THE SHOW FOR THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT ABBREVIATED TO BRING YOU A SPECIAL ENCORE OF BLACK VOICES.

YOU CAN WATCH IT SATURDAY AT 6:30 AND SUNDAYS AT 10:00 P.M. JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT LIVE AT 7:00.

FOR ALL OF US HERE AT CHICAGO TONIGHT, THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND HAVE A GREAT EVENING.