Adriana Cardona-Maguigad | WBEZ

Black Chicagoans helped many parts of the city blossom culturally and economically, but they were also subject to financial exploitation, intimidation and racial violence — challenges later faced by immigrants from Mexico in the mid-20th century.

The election Sunday marks the first time that Mexicans abroad are able to vote by mail, electronically or in person across 23 locations around the world, including several U.S cities.

They’re finding help from community groups to navigate their way. A priority as they build lives outside of city-run shelters: learning English.

Luisette Kraal, originaria de Curazao, vive en Estados Unidos gracias a una visa religiosa que se le ha vencido. Desde hace dos años es una figura clave para ayudar a los recién llegados a adaptarse a la ciudad.

Luisette Kraal, a native of Curaçao, lives in the U.S. on a religious visa that has run out. For two years she has been a key figure in helping newcomers adjust to the city.

Las parejas, en su mayoría de Venezuela, se reunieron en Park Community Church para la ceremonia de casi dos horas y media.

The couples, mostly from Venezuela, gathered at Park Community Church for the nearly two-and-a-half-hour ceremony. The afterparty went on even longer.

Feeding the migrants has cost the city more than $31 million, while the Greater Chicago Food Depository has spent more than $17.6 million in public and private funds. The city has brought on new caterers to feed South American migrants in temporary shelters.

But Chicago Public Schools needs city and state help to meet that goal, CEO Pedro Martinez said.