Chicago's O'Hare International Airport has become an unsettling temporary shelter for hundreds of asylum seekers arriving by plane. Behind a heavy black curtain in Terminal 1, migrants of all ages, from babies to the elderly, live in cramped conditions. They sleep on cardboard pads on the floor and share airport bathrooms, while their movements are monitored by a private firm. Chicago's use of airports as temporary shelters is rare and has raised concerns about safety and the treatment of those fleeing violence and poverty.

The situation at O'Hare highlights the city's haphazard response to the growing population of asylum seekers. Unlike other cities, such as New York, which have gradually moved migrants into shelters and tents, Chicago has resorted to housing them in airports. The curtains that enclose the makeshift shelter are fastened shut with staples, concealing a space smaller than a city block where up to 500 people have lived simultaneously.

Living conditions at O'Hare are dire. Sickness spreads quickly among the migrants, and while a staffing company provides limited first aid and calls ambulances when needed, the medical supplies brought by volunteer doctors were quickly depleted. Meals are provided, but only at specific times, and many of the foods offered are unfamiliar to the new arrivals. Moreover, donations of food and clothing are limited due to airport security concerns, leaving the migrants with few resources.

The majority of the migrants arriving in Chicago, approximately 14,000 during the past year, have come from Texas under the direction of Republican Governor Greg Abbott. This influx has strained the city's existing services, and officials have struggled to find longer-term housing solutions. Brandon Johnson, who took office in May, has proposed winterized tents as a temporary solution. However, the lack of assistance from the state and federal governments has further exacerbated the situation.

Many of the migrants at O'Hare come from Venezuela, where the political, social, and economic crisis has driven millions into poverty. Maria Daniela Sanchez Valera, 26, arrived at O'Hare with her 2-year-old daughter after a harrowing journey through the dangerous Darien Gap in Panama. She had fled Venezuela five years ago and her daughter was born in Peru. However, after her daughter's father was killed, she decided to leave again. Valera expressed her intention to work and not rely on handouts, but the recent Biden Administration plan to offer temporary legal status does not apply to her because she arrived after the deadline.

The treatment of migrants at O'Hare has raised concerns about their well-being and safety. Staff members have reportedly threatened to kick out migrants if their children run around the terminal. The private company responsible for monitoring their movements, Favorite Healthcare Staffing, claims to treat new arrivals with respect but has faced allegations of mistreatment.

Chicago's use of airports as temporary shelters is not supported by other cities. Boston's Logan International Airport provides cots for a few hours before sending migrants elsewhere, while officials in Atlantic City, New Jersey, strongly opposed a federal plan to use their airport as a shelter due to the lack of infrastructure to care for the migrants.

Despite the challenges, Chicago officials are slowly working to improve the situation. The city has added 15 shelters since May and has resettled approximately 3,000 people. They provide meals and partner with various groups for medical care but heavily rely on volunteers to bridge the gaps. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, first deputy chief of staff, acknowledges that the current situation is not perfect but emphasizes the city's commitment to living up to its values as a sanctuary city.

For the migrants themselves, the hope for a better future keeps them going. Jhonatan Gelvez, a 21-year-old from Colombia, spoke of the peace he feels upon arriving in the U.S., despite being separated from his fiancee en route. Yoli Cordova, 42, fled Venezuela due to discrimination based on her sexual orientation. While relieved to have left, she remains concerned about her daughters back in Venezuela and uncertain about her next steps.

As the number of asylum seekers continues to rise, the challenges faced by Chicago and other cities in providing adequate housing and support are evident. The reliance on temporary solutions, such as using airports as shelters, underscores the need for long-term strategies and increased assistance from state and federal governments. Until then, the migrants at O'Hare International Airport will continue to endure uncertain and difficult conditions, holding onto the hope of building a better future for themselves and their families.