Naperville City Council explores resident initiative as Chicago suburbs struggle with increasing migrant related problems
A suburban lawmaker outside Chicago has proposed a unique initiative, suggesting that residents should have the option to sign up and host migrants in their homes. Councilman Josh McBroom of Naperville, Illinois, brought this proposition to the forefront during a recent city council meeting, prompting discussions that echo far beyond the city limits.
McBroom, emphasizing the resources of the community, stated, “We do have a very affluent community.” He expressed reluctance towards utilizing public funds for housing or aid, highlighting the compassion within the community. The councilman proposed the creation of a sign-up sheet for residents willing to open their homes to migrant families, seeking support from the diocese and aiming to gauge community interest in assisting with the migrant situation.
The notion of residents hosting migrants is not unique to Naperville, as Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts previously urged residents to sponsor migrant families by accommodating them in their homes. This approach gained attention after Elon Musk, owner of X, warned of potential government mandates to force residents into housing migrants in response to specific incidents, such as relocating migrants from a shelter to a school during a storm in New York City.