Authorities in Denver have dismantled a sizable tent city inhabited by migrants, many from Venezuela, near the downtown area.
Occupants Evicted, Offered Housing Options or Exit Tickets
Police and officials evicted the occupants on Wednesday, offering them apartments, group shelter, or bus tickets out of the city.
Growing Health & Safety Concerns
The camp expanded around a small hotel that served as a long-term shelter for other migrants, but city officials expressed growing worries about its impact on health and safety.
Migrant Settlement Spread Across Several Blocks
This settlement, which emerged several months ago, had spread across several blocks, housing asylum seekers with court dates set as far off as 2029.
Pursuing the American dream
The migrants, who have traveled great distances, express their delight at the opportunity to pursue the American dream despite facing challenges upon their arrival.
Thousands of Migrants Arrived from Texas
Denver has become a hub for approximately 36,000 migrants bused from Texas over the past year.
No Work Authorization
While some have secured housing through federal work permits, recent arrivals struggle without this authorization.
Only 5,000 Work Permits Issued
Since September, the federal government has issued approximately 5,000 work permits to migrants.
Migrants Want to Work
Migrants at the camps have stated that they want to work to provide for themselves and their families.
More Migrants Per Capita
The city, accommodating more migrants per capita than most large U.S. cities outside Texas, has voiced concerns over the camp’s health and safety risks.
Mayor’s $180M Migrant Assistance Expenditure
Mayor Mike Johnston highlighted the city’s projected expenditure of $180 million on migrant assistance this year, emphasizing the unsustainable nature of the situation without federal aid.
“This is not Sustainable”
Johnston said, “This is not sustainable. If they arrive and are here for three months or six months or two years and can never work, we’re going to need endless amounts of federal support for those individuals.”
A Call for Federal Action
Johnston urged federal support, pointing out the need for work permits and financial aid to sustainably integrate migrants.
Differences in Federal Handling of Refugees
He also highlighted the differences in federal handling of refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan, noting how they were distributed nationwide via an extensive plan coordinated at the federal level.
Operation Lone Star
The influx, partly due to Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, has put pressure on cities like Denver, New York, and Chicago.
100,000 Migrants Sent to Democrats-Led Cities
So far, Abbott has distributed nearly 100,000 migrants to cities controlled by Democrats, such as New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver, and Los Angeles.
El Paso Sends Buses to Other Cities
Officials in El Paso, under Democratic leadership, have also dispatched dozens of charter buses northward to Denver, New York, and Chicago.
Adams Filed a Lawsuit Against Bus Companies
New York Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday filed a lawsuit against 17 bus companies for their alleged role in transporting migrants from Texas.
Immigration Reform & Strict Border Regulations
Johnston and other Democratic mayors call on the federal government for comprehensive immigration reform and strict border regulations to address the ongoing migrant influx.
In a Precarious Situation
Migrants, often lacking English proficiency and local connections, find themselves in a precarious situation.
Difficulty in Integration
Their children, entitled to public education, face their own challenges integrating into a new environment.
Up to Five Years Delay in Court Appearance
Many migrants holding court appearance notices have faced delays of up to five years before they can claim asylum seeker status or seek other forms of immigration relief.
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