First Comes Immigration Reform, Then Comes … What?

Assessing the Challenges Facing a Half-Million Chicagoans

Congress’ passage of a comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) bill would mark the end of a contentious political battle. But for undocumented immigrants all over the country—as well as their families, the organizations and institutions who serve them, and the people and businesses who employ them—it may also signal a starting line. Legalizing millions of people will be a national challenge as well as a local one, especially in Chicago, which over a half-million undocumented immigrants call home. In advance of “What Would Immigration Reform Mean for Chicago?”, a Zócalo/Azteca America …

All the Old, Unfamiliar Places

America Is Home-But Why Doesn’t It Feel That Way?

America is a foreign place. This shouldn’t be so. I’m American. I was born here. I’ve lived most of my life here. But five years ago I left and moved …

A Veteran’s Return

Visiting The Bench Where My Parents’ Future Began

I’ve been trying for years to write something about my mother’s bench in the waiting room at Union Station in Chicago. The bench where she sat and waited the day my …