Chicago Says Welcome is telling the stories of new arrivals and those welcoming them to create a more inclusive city. We’re pushing back against efforts to sow fear and division for political gain—and highlighting how Chicagoans of all backgrounds are coming together to put our welcoming values into action.
The majority of Chicagoans support welcoming migrants and refugees and treating them with dignity and respect, even in the most challenging of circumstances. But too often, their voices are drowned out. We’re giving these Chicagoans ways to speak up, while highlighting efforts to support and welcome new arrivals.
Photos by Paul Goyette
Today, Chicago is at the center of a humanitarian challenge caused by the Republican governor of Texas. More than 41,000 migrants have been bussed or flown to Chicago since August of 2022, as part of a cynical ploy to create chaos and score political points. But Chicagoans from all backgrounds—from educators to faith leaders, businesspeople, medical professionals and mutual aid volunteers—have stepped up to welcome these newcomers.
WHO WE ARE
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Erica Sagrans
FOUNDER
Erica is a digital organizer and campaign strategist who has mobilized millions of people in grassroots campaigns to take action for progressive causes. She is a passionate advocate for migrant rights—as youth advocate with the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights in Chicago and as a longtime volunteer with the Kino Border Initiative in Nogales, Mexico.
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Johannes Favi
ADVISOR
Johannes is the Deputy Director of the Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants (ICDI). He is the director of “Caged Dreams,” a short film that paints a vivid picture of the emotional experience of immigration detention and the deep impacts on a person’s mental health and their loved ones.
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Brandon Lee
ADVISOR
Brandon is communications director at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, where he works with the news media and member organizations to tell the coalition's story. Previously, Brandon worked at Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago.
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Ilya Sheyman
ADVISOR
Ilya has over a decade of experience working in senior leadership and advisory roles with nonprofits, coalitions, and public interest campaigns. He is the former executive director at MoveOn, a public policy advocacy group that is one of the largest grassroots organizations in the U.S., and a board member with RefugeeOne, Chicago’s largest refugee resettlement agency.
We’re building a diverse cohort of advisers with deep expertise and a mix of Chicago and national experience, while working in partnership with other local organizations. If you’re interested in being involved, we’d love to hear from you.
