Housing advocates slam Denver’s new asylum seeker program as “inadequate” and a “slap in the face” as the city spends tens of millions of dollars on immigrant assistance and cuts emergency services. They are even holding protests to show their support. Budget to prevent bankruptcy due to inflow of funds.
A surge of new immigrants is straining the Mile High City’s municipal budget. Since December 2022, more than 40,000 immigrants have arrived in Denver, more than any other U.S. city, at a total cost of about $68 million.
About $35 million of those funds were spent between December 2023 and March 2023 alone, according to Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s office.
The program will be revised to provide a “long-term, sustainable response” to what his office calls a “crisis.” the Democratic Party said in a statement Wednesday..
Under the program, about 1,000 immigrants currently housed in the city’s shelter system are waiting for permission to work, which can take up to 180 days due to federal asylum-seeker laws. , six months of free housing, food assistance, and workforce training.
“After more than a year of facing this crisis together, the City of Denver has finally come up with a sustainable plan to treat newcomers with dignity while avoiding the worst cuts to city services,” Johnston’s office said in a statement. ” he said.
But Denver’s emergency services were not completely spared from budget cuts to help pay for immigrant aid.
Under the new program, the Denver Police Department’s budget would be cut by about $8.4 million, or 1.9 percent. According to , most of the savings come from not filling open positions with new employees. newsweek.
The city’s fire department also has a budget of $2.5 million, or less than 1% of its total budget.
Previously, migrants were allowed to stay in shelters for two to six weeks, but under the new rules, migrants arriving in the city after April 10 must leave after 24 to 72 hours. After that, it stipulates that “short-term stays will be provided.” We will provide assistance at the meeting point and assist in securing transportation to another destination. ”
Advocacy group House Keys Action Network Denver (HAND) denounced the change, telling local ABC affiliate KMGH-TV that the change would overwhelm groups working to help immigrants.
“All new immigrants will have to fend for themselves after 24 to 72 hours,” HAND spokesperson V. Reeves told the station.
“This is a slap in the face and it’s time for an attack.”
Immigrant Willy Bastidas said the policy only exacerbates the homelessness crisis his family faces.
“I don’t think it’s enough,” he told KMGH in a broadcast of grievances that included firing shots at Mayor Johnston.
“The mayor does not represent us…He needs to listen to us and work with us towards better solutions.”
HAND did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.
