Governor J.B. Pritzker announced he is awarding local governments, including Lake County, with more than $41 million in funding for supporting migrants being sent to the Chicago area.
Pritzker announced the $41.5 million in award funding on Friday.
The funds will help municipalities provide direct services to asylum-seeking migrants.
The funds will be used for shelter and housing support, food, wraparound services, legal support and health care.
“Illinois is a welcoming state, and we have stepped up to aid asylum seekers who have undertaken a dangerous and trying journey to try and build a better life for themselves and their families,” Pritzker said.
“Although we will still need significant federal support as this crisis continues, these grants will empower local governments to build out services and supports for new arrivals so we can successfully transition them into our state and give them the opportunity to complete their legal asylum process,” the governor added.
On Monday, Pritzker sent a letter to President Joe Biden telling him that the “humanitarian crisis” is overwhelming Illinois’ ability to provide aid to the refugee population.
Buses have sent over 15,000 migrants to Illinois from the border in the past 13 months.
The busloads of migrants are increasing each day. The governor called the situation “untenable” and called on the federal government to help the state.
Officials say the new arrivals being bused to Illinois are primarily from Central and South America. The state has contributed $328 million so far to support them.
“In Illinois, we recognize the humanity of everyone and reject fearmongering and cruelty toward those seeking asylum,” Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said.
“Through this funding, our administration is reaffirming our commitment to being a welcoming state because our diversity makes us stronger,” Stratton said.
Municipalities receiving the recently announced funding include Lake County, Chicago, Joliet, Elgin, Urbana and Oak Park.
Chicago will receive the highest funding out of the municipalities of $30.25 million while Joliet will receive $8.6 million and Elgin will receive $1.27 million.
Lake County is set to receive $1 million, Urbana will receive $250,000 and Oak Park will receive $150,000.
“The commitments announced today will strengthen the support provided to asylum seekers in Illinois,” Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Grace B. Hou said.
“We are grateful to every municipality that applied for this funding. Today’s awards demonstrate our commitment to assisting recent arrivals from the southern border with the resources that they need to be successful,” Hou added.