Elibexis Alvarez, a Venezuelan migrant, found herself in Chicago preparing to give birth to her first child away from her home country due to escalating violence. She and her husband had fled Venezuela after he was targeted for his activism against the government. After a dangerous journey that included being shot at and nearly drowning, they arrived in the U.S. Alvarez, who was six months pregnant, and her husband turned themselves in to immigration enforcement and were separated, causing her great distress until they were reunited in January.
Since 2022, over 41,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago after being bused from the southern border. The city has struggled to provide resources and housing for these migrants, with 7,969 living in shelters as of May. Pregnant migrants and families with children are currently exempt from a policy enforcing 60-day shelter limits. Many migrants remain in the shelter system waiting for work permits to afford permanent housing.
For now, Alvarez and her husband are living in a temporary hotel shelter with relatives, awaiting the birth of their baby. He wakes up early each day to look for work as a day laborer while she focuses on doctor’s appointments and preparing for their baby’s arrival. They have been unable to save money and often rely on expired food to supplement the shelter’s offerings. Despite the challenges, Alvarez remains hopeful for stability and normalcy once her husband is able to find work.
Alvarez dreams of working, learning English, and pursuing a career, like she did as a nurse technician in Venezuela. She wants to provide a better life for her son and give him opportunities that she believes would be impossible in their home country. Their faith is a central part of their lives, providing support and comfort during difficult times. They long for an apartment of their own where they can raise their son and start their new life in America.
Chicago and other cities have struggled to keep up with the influx of migrants and have implemented measures like shelter evictions to conserve resources. Thousands of migrants are stuck in the shelter system awaiting work permits to afford permanent housing. Despite the challenges and uncertainty, Alvarez and her husband remain determined to build a better future for themselves and their son. They have faced adversity and uncertainty but are hopeful that with hard work and perseverance, they can create a stable and fulfilling life in the U.S. for their family.
