Denver’s Sanctuary City Policies Have Ruined Thousands Of Migrant Lives, Unable To Fulfill Its Promises
As the nation continues to grapple with a surge of migrants at its southern border, the city of Denver has also been struggling with its own massive influx of migrants seeking shelter and assistance. But with a budget deficit looming over the city, the promises made to these indigent migrants have now come crashing down, leaving thousands homeless.
According to city officials, over 3,000 migrants in Denver have been forced to leave their temporary housing due to the city's budget constraints. This move comes after a pause on evictions was put in place during the winter months, but with the arrival of warmer weather, the city has resumed kicking out families who have been in temporary housing for more than six weeks. And unfortunately, this is just the beginning with an estimated 50-60 families being forced out each day for the next two months.
City workers have been praised for their efforts in helping migrants start a new life in Denver, at a great cost to taxpayers. But these thousands of migrants are now facing the harsh reality that there is simply not enough shelter space or staff to accommodate the surge of new arrivals. And with a projected budget deficit of up to $180 million, the city is struggling to keep up with costs associated with housing, schooling, healthcare, and other services for these migrants.
Denver's budget woes have been exacerbated by the fact that Texas Governor Greg Abbott has sent 157,000 migrants to the city over the past year.
Denver Health has seen over 8,000 visits from migrants who are unable to pay for services, resulting in a $22 million deficit for the hospital system.
In addition, the Denver public school system has seen a surge of nearly 3,000 migrant children since July, adding strain to an already overwhelmed system.
City officials are now scrambling to find a solution, with Mayor Mike Johnston even traveling to Washington D.C. to plead for more federal aid and expedited work authorizations for migrants. But in the meantime, necessary budget cuts are being made.
Johnston insists that these cuts are impossible to avoid to keep essential services, such as police and fire departments, running smoothly. But the reality is that the city will have to find the money somewhere, and it is likely that taxpayers will end up footing the bill. As the mayor himself stated, the city is facing both humanitarian and fiscal crises due to the influx of migrants and limited resources.
READ MORE:
DENVER MAYOR TO CUT CITY SERVICES TO FUND ITS COSTLY SANCTUARY CITY POLICIES
LAKEWOOD RESIDENTS DEMAND TRANSPARENCY FROM CITY COUNCIL OVER MIGRANT HOUSING CONCERNS
THE REPUBLICANS OPPOSING IMPEACHMENT OF SECRETARY MAYORKAS, IGNORING BORDER SECURITY CONCERNS
In an effort to alleviate the strain, Denver is now providing bus tickets to migrants to send them to other cities within the U.S.
But with over 2,000 bus tickets already purchased in January alone, it is clear that Denver is not the only city struggling with the impacts of migration. And as more migrants continue to arrive at the southern border, it is unknown how much longer Denver and other cities can sustain these costs.
The promises made to these indigent migrants have not been fulfilled, leaving them with nowhere to turn and adding to the growing number of homeless individuals in Denver.
Are you enjoying THE LOBBY? Our stories are only possible because of generous contributions from our readers. Please consider chipping in today. Thank you!