CHICAGO – Although Dora Lewis lives in a lakefront condo far from the U.S.-Mexico border, she is constantly reminded of what she describes as the “failed Biden-Harris border policy.”

Her view overlooks a hotel that has been converted into a shelter for migrants. Lewis, a middle-class Black American, worked hard to secure a home in Chicago’s sought-after lakefront area, yet she feels migrants are “not contributing anything, absolutely nothing.”

Even with Vice President Kamala Harris making history as the first Black and Asian American presidential nominee at the Democratic National Convention this week, Lewis remains unconvinced. She plans to vote for former President Donald Trump.

“The only reason I will vote for Trump is because I truly believe he will address immigration issues,” said the 80-year-old retired teacher.

Lewis is aware that her support for Trump is unusual. Most polls indicate that a significant number of Black voters are excited to support Harris, especially in Chicago, known for being a strongly Democratic city within a solidly blue state.

While losing Lewis’ vote in Illinois may not impact Harris’ presidential bid, her concerns highlight a significant challenge for Democrats, who need to galvanize a strong turnout among Black voters in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, and Wisconsin to have a chance this November.

Outside the convention, Harris’ posters mirrored the iconic “Hope” poster from former President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. The new version, titled “Forward,” was created in “pure pursuit of a better future,” according to artist Shepard Fairey.

However, Democratic leaders in Chicago who support Harris acknowledge the genuine concerns voiced by Black residents like Lewis.

Alderman Anthony Beale, representing the predominantly Black 9th ward in the city’s far south side, shared that some constituents have waited for years for public housing vouchers while migrants who recently arrived are being provided with six months of housing assistance.

“It feels like a slap in the face,” he expressed. “People in our community are incredibly frustrated, feeling exploited and disregarded.”

Migrants receiving housing while Black Chicago remains “on life support”

Border security emerged as one of the biggest hurdles for the Biden-Harris administration, but the situation has improved significantly this summer with a notable decrease in the number of new migrants.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on global economies and travel. As the restrictions eased, a surge of migrants started arriving at the U.S. border seeking asylum or immigration opportunities, leading to record numbers of encounters and apprehensions in the past three years.

Chicago felt the impact as well. Following Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to transport migrants to “sanctuary cities,” which are often governed by Democratic mayors, Chicago became a key destination. Since August 2022, the three-term Republican governor’s Operation Lone Star has sent nearly 37,000 migrants to Chicago, making it the second-most popular destination after New York City.

To date, Chicago has invested over $460 million in its “New Arrivals Program” for migrants, which includes providing eligible individuals with up to six months of rental assistance and public transportation passes.

“Our community lacks the funding to thrive, yet we watch as others receive support,” voiced Zoe Leigh, a 38-year-old LGBTQ activist living in Bronzeville, a neighborhood historically recognized as the city’s “Black Metropolis.”

“The waiting list for Section 8 is so extensive that children who were once young are now 16 or 17 years old because their families applied ages ago,” she stated. “They still haven’t received a voucher and are left in uncertainty.”

According to the Chicago Housing Authority’s fiscal year 2023 report, over 200,000 families are currently on waiting lists. Depending on the specific housing development and unit size required, the wait for public housing can span from six months to as long as 25 years, as per CHA’s estimates.

Alderman Beale was among the 18 officials who opposed an April proposal to allocate an additional $70 million in city funds for migrant programs, adding to the already designated $150 million in the 2024 budget. The proposal received support from 30 votes, although some of its supporters voiced concerns.

“This funding felt like robbery when you consider the inadequate support that Black leaders have requested and been denied,” 5^th ward Alderman Desmon Yancy expressed in an op-ed for the Chicago Sun-Times last spring.

He explained his support for the funding because his ward houses a hotel converted into a migrant shelter along South DuSable Lake Shore Drive but cautioned, “Black Chicago is struggling.”

A National Crisis, Personal Experiences

While immigration can boost national economic development, it also imposes considerable individual expenses, noted Steven Camarota, research director for the conservative Center for Immigration Studies.

“African American residents in Chicago are bearing some of these costs, whether through job competition or the struggle for public resources,” he pointed out.

Chris Towler, an associate professor at California State University-Sacramento, remarked that the discontent expressed by certain Black Chicagoans does not mirror the sentiment of Black voters across the nation.

Towler, also the director and principal investigator of the Black Voter Project, indicated that 53% of Black voters view immigration positively for the nation, according to a recent survey. However, there are troubling signs for Harris, as approval of Biden-Harris’s immigration policies fell to 40% when surveyed.

“I can definitely understand their point of view,” Towler acknowledged regarding the frustrated Chicago voters. “Their perspective is valid and resonates with their everyday experiences.”

William Hall, an alderman representing another largely Black area who supported the additional funds for migrants, stated that the anger surrounding the migrant situation is misplaced.

“This was a federal crisis, and there was no ideal way to manage it,” he explained. “We had individuals sleeping on the streets wherever possible.”

According to Hall, what was provided for the migrants amounted to “no substantial benefit.” It was merely “a place to lay down and have three meals a day. the quality of accommodations was practically a cot with a bathroom. Ultimately, we see now that it isn’t what we anticipated, and some migrants have since departed Chicago.”

Disillusioned Voters

Despite feelings of disenchantment, Chicago is still expected to support Harris, even if some discontented Black voters opt to abstain from voting or choose Trump.

Alderman Beale anticipates “a decline in Black support due to current policies and their implications for the Black community.”

“I’m striving daily to encourage them to vote Democratic, but it’s challenging to convince people to support the party under these circumstances,” he noted.

Some individuals, like Lewis and Leigh, are steadfast in their opinions.

“Trump isn’t incorrect when he asserts that Black jobs are being taken away,” said Lewis. “His delivery may not be perfect, but we all understand his intent.”

In a recent poll conducted by YSL News/Suffolk University, 72% of Black likely voters in Michigan found Trump’s comments offensive, while 67% felt the same in Pennsylvania.

Nonetheless, Leigh intends to refrain from voting or to support Trump come Election Day.

“I’m finished,” proclaimed Leigh, an LGBTQ activist. “Where is the agenda for Black people?”