One might say Chicago city officials are giving migrants the keys to the city. What is the key to city? According to Wikipedia, the Key to the City is an honor bestowed by a city upon esteemed residents and visitors. The Chicago “CityKey” is a new form of identification that is not a driver’s license or state-issued identification. Rather, it is issued through the Chicago City Clerk’s office.
On Thursday, hundreds, and perhaps over 1000 people, who were identified by some as “migrants” lined up at Hamlin Park in Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood. They were there to receive a “CityKey” – a free identification being distributed by the Chicago City Clerk’s office to migrants at this Chicago Park District gymnasium.
According to the Chicago City Clerk’s website:
The CityKey is a free optional government-issued ID card available to all Chicagoans regardless of age, gender, immigration status, or housing status. It serves as a government- issued ID, a Chicago Public Library Card, a Chicago Transit Authority Ventra Card, and a Chicago Rx prescription drug discount card. CityKey holders are also eligible for the many discounts and benefits offered by participating CityKey business partners across the city. The CityKey gives residents the chance to unlock their full potential and experience all the things our great city has to offer.
For more detailed information, view the City of Chicago ID Administrative Rules.
All day people lined up including many families with small children to enter the building. There was a large Chicago Police presence along with security from the park district. There were also dozens of city employees even some from the Water Department. It’s unclear why the Water Department would be involved in this process. Many other city vehicles were spotted on site including several from Streets & Sanitation and the City Clerk’s Office. Why wasn’t this event held at City Hall where the City Clerk has offices and personnel?
There continues to be a problem as migrants are allowed to live in the lobbies of most of the Chicago Police stations. The photo above is the 20th District Station at 5400 North Lincoln Avenue. There are two public restrooms here with two stalls in each and no showers. As many as 100 people are staying in this small lobby including women and small children. Residents who come to police stations for filing a police report or other legitimate police business must navigate through this campground situation. There are obvious health and safety concerns for the migrants, city employees, and residents doing business here.
The migrant situation is a growing concern in Chicago and across the country. There continues to be discussions on open borders and the cost to American citizens. Many are concerned why these services are not given to Chicago residents including thousands of homeless United States citizens and Veterans. Most people seem to support “legal immigration” so it’s unclear why this chaos continues in Chicago.
Mark Weyermuller also known as “Man on the Street” is a small business person, retired real estate professional, law & order supporter, tax payer advocate, and conservative activist in Chicago. He is a citizen journalist, frequent guest on talk radio, speaker at public hearings, and regular contributor to Illinois Review.
