Alderman Shares Thoughts on Immigration and the 43rd Ward

The Upper School Civic Lab transforms the school's mission into action by promoting active citizenship and civic engagement, providing space for building relationships and connections, advocating for social justice and enriching understanding of how systems of marginalization shape institutions and structures of privilege, advantage and disadvantage in history and present-day society.

In the 10th grade City as Community Civic Lab program, students examine immigration in the city to acquire a variety of perspectives. Teachers invited 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen to meet with the entire class of 2028 to discuss immigration matters and field student questions on the topic.

Knudsen spoke about his prior career as a private-sector lawyer and his involvement in building out pro bono practice based wholly on asylum claims. He defined “asylum claims” as protection for individuals already present at a port of entry or inside the country who fear persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or social group. He shared that the number of these claims has skyrocketed since he took office as alderman in 2022.

Knudsen reminded everyone that, at that time, the governor of Texas was sending busloads of migrants from their state to Chicago, creating a housing crisis for those affected. Since there was no shelter system in place for the influx of arrivals, Knudsen worked with his peers in office to advocate for funding to build out shelters while supporting local church efforts. He pointed out that these decisions were never unanimous, and the process grew quite contentious at times.

Knudsen shared the 43rd Ward Office’s efforts to respond to the recent ICE occupation. His team used social media to provide a digital toolkit to residents that reaffirmed their rights and called on volunteers to help complete citizenship paperwork for those who needed help. They packed and distributed countless whistle kits to help neighbors alert each other should they see ICE agents and helped provide direct funding for groceries and medical care to those in hiding, emphasizing the need for as much direct support as possible.

Knudsen was bolstered by the way the 43rd Ward responded when ICE showed up at area businesses and construction sites, as neighbors responded rapidly to peacefully protect and disrupt their efforts on Lincoln Park streets. 

In his closing remarks, Knudsen encouraged students to channel fear and insecurity into action. “Attending and promoting Know Your Rights seminars and standing up for your friends and neighbors are great ways for students to get involved, and they actually help,” he suggested.

Knudsen fielded questions from the audience, ranging from suggestions to make targeted people feel safer in the 43rd Ward, the effects of the government shutdown on current operations, the unique balancing act required of non-partisan government leaders to do their work, resources for those looking to help immigrants in Chicago and more.

Parker thanks Alderman Knudsen for taking the time to share more on this timely topic with students and providing a real-world perspective on how the school’s neighborhood is thinking about and addressing immigration issues.

Click here for photos.