Denver mayor expresses concern over potential $180 million impact of immigrant influx

Colorado​ Mayor Warns of⁤ $180​ Million Cost to Care for Immigrants Without Federal Intervention

Colorado Mayor Mike Johnston ⁤has issued a dire warning that the sanctuary city of Denver could face a ​staggering $180 million burden in caring for the recent influx of‍ immigrants if the federal government does not step​ in to provide support. ⁣Speaking at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, Johnston revealed that over 36,000⁤ immigrants have arrived in Denver since December 2022.

Heartbreaking Stories and the Urgent Need for Federal Support

During his‍ visit‌ to ⁤Washington, Mayor Johnston met​ with President ​Joe Biden⁤ to discuss the pressing issue at ⁤hand. He emphasized the daily heartbreaking stories of immigrants in Denver and stressed the‌ urgent need ‌for federal support and action. Without such ⁢assistance, Denver’s budget for ⁢2024 would be ⁣severely impacted,‍ with a staggering $180⁤ million ‌shortfall, which accounts for more than 10%‍ of ⁢the entire city ‍budget.

Denver’s ‌Determination to Provide Shelter and ​Winter Clothing

Mayor Johnston highlighted Denver’s determination to ensure that immigrant women and children are not left on the streets,⁣ especially during the harsh winter months in Colorado.‌ The ⁢city goes above and beyond by‍ providing winter clothing⁣ to immigrants who often arrive ill-prepared in T-shirts and sandals.

Mayors Call for Work Authorization ‍and Federal Funding

At the conference, mayors ​united in their call‌ for work authorization, federal funding, and an improved plan of entry for asylum-seekers. ‍They are urging the U.S.‌ Senate and ⁢President Biden⁤ to take‌ action on these​ crucial⁣ matters.

A Bipartisan Solution for ⁤a Humanitarian and Fiscal⁣ Crisis

Mayor Johnston expressed optimism about ​a potential bipartisan deal in the ⁤Senate ⁢that would ⁤support common-sense solutions. ​However, he acknowledged the potential challenges in the⁤ Republican-controlled‌ House, particularly with‌ President Donald Trump’s influence. He urged politicians to‍ prioritize addressing the humanitarian​ and fiscal ⁣crisis rather than playing politics ⁣in an election year.

Record-Breaking Numbers at the U.S.-Mexico‌ Border

The urgency of the situation is further highlighted by the ​staggering numbers at the U.S.-Mexico border. In December 2023 alone, U.S. Customs and ⁤Border Protection processed over 302,000 individuals. Since President Biden took⁢ office, it is reported that over 10 million immigrants have entered ‍the country illegally, marking the highest⁤ recorded‍ number for⁣ any administration‍ in such a ‍short period of time.

How will the ⁣lack of ​federal support impact the quality of​ life ​for both immigrants and native citizens in Denver?

On. Johnston shared ‌stories ‍of ‌families fleeing violence and persecution, children separated ‌from their parents, and individuals facing extreme poverty, all seeking refuge in Denver. These stories highlight the ​humanitarian crisis at ‍our doorstep and the responsibility⁣ we ​have as a society ⁣to provide aid and protection.

The⁣ High Cost of Care and the Local Burden

Mayor ⁤Johnston emphasized the enormous financial burden that Denver is facing without federal intervention. Caring for ⁤the needs of over 36,000 immigrants,⁤ including healthcare, housing,⁢ education, and social services,⁢ is‌ a monumental ⁤task for the city. The estimated cost of⁤ providing these services is projected to reach $180 million, which‌ will ⁣strain Denver’s already stretched resources.

While Denver is committed to upholding its sanctuary city status and providing a ⁣safe haven for immigrants, Mayor Johnston highlighted the urgent need‍ for ‍federal support. Without it, Denver will be forced ⁤to make ⁣difficult choices, ⁢potentially impacting the quality of life for ⁤both immigrants and native citizens.⁢ The ‌burden on the local economy ⁣will also be felt, ‌as resources are ⁣diverted from other essential ‌areas to support the increased demands.

The Role ⁤of the ‍Federal Government

Mayor Johnston made it ⁤clear that the responsibility to address this issue lies with the federal ⁤government. He called upon the‍ Biden administration ‌and Congress to provide financial assistance and comprehensive immigration reform. He stressed the importance‌ of a collective effort in finding long-term solutions to⁢ the immigration crisis and easing⁢ the burden on local⁢ communities.

In addition to financial support, Mayor ⁤Johnston⁢ advocated for a⁤ streamlined and efficient ⁣immigration process ‍that⁤ respects the ⁣dignity and rights of individuals seeking​ asylum. He⁤ urged for⁣ increased resources for​ immigration⁣ courts to expedite processing and fair adjudication of cases. ‌These measures would not only benefit ​immigrants but would‍ also ensure that the existing backlog of cases is handled ​effectively, reducing strain on both⁣ the immigration system ⁢and local communities.

The Need for Immediate Action

Mayor Johnston’s warning serves as a​ call to action for the federal government to prioritize the plight of immigrants and ⁣the burden faced by sanctuary cities like Denver. Immediate intervention is‍ required to provide the necessary support⁤ and ⁤resources‍ to address the current crisis and prevent long-term‌ consequences for ​both ⁣immigrants and the community at large.

As ⁢Mayor‌ Johnston concluded his speech at the U.S. Conference‍ of Mayors, he reminded his colleagues that the ⁢immigration issue is not limited ⁢to Denver alone. Many cities ⁤across the nation are grappling with similar challenges and are in‌ desperate need of federal‌ assistance. ⁢It is ⁤time for the government⁢ to take the‍ lead and work‌ collaboratively towards⁢ comprehensive⁣ immigration ​reform that balances compassion with⁣ practicality.

While ‌the immediate focus should be⁤ on ‌providing emergency relief, Mayor Johnston also emphasized the need for ⁢proactive measures to address⁣ the root causes of⁤ immigration. By‍ investing in the development and stability of countries experiencing⁢ violence, ‍poverty, and persecution, we⁤ can play a crucial role in preventing ‍future mass migrations and offering ​hope ⁢to ⁤those in need.

Conclusion

Mayor Johnston’s plea for federal intervention highlights the urgent and costly challenge faced by ​Denver and many⁤ other sanctuary cities. The moral responsibility to care for immigrants and support the most ⁤vulnerable members of society cannot rest solely on the shoulders of local governments. The ⁤federal government must step up and⁤ provide the⁢ necessary assistance to ensure the wellbeing of immigrants while preserving the social fabric ‍of our communities. The time​ for action is now.