Mayor Leads Multi-City Push for Work Permits for Undocumented Immigrants

The campaign aims to bolster the economy by legalizing the workforce of approximately 450,000 undocumented residents in Illinois.

Mayor Brandon Johnson leads a multi-city initiative urging President Biden to grant work permits to long-term undocumented immigrants in the U.S., emphasizing the move's potential economic benefits.
The 'Work Permits for All' campaign, supported by a coalition of 300 cities, aims to enable approximately 450,000 undocumented residents in Illinois to work legally, contributing to their communities and the economy.
Johnson's appeal is part of a broader effort to address the challenges faced by over 38,000 migrants who have arrived in Chicago since August 2022, many of whom were sent from Texas by Governor Greg Abbott.
The push for work permits is seen as a way to provide dignity and stability to undocumented residents, while also attracting businesses and boosting Chicago's economy through the contributions of immigrant communities.
Despite previous appeals to the Biden administration, Johnson remains hopeful that continued pressure will lead to policy changes, citing the growing support for the initiative and the urgent need for federal action on immigration.