Denver Grapples with Migrant Influx Amid Resource Strain

Mayor Mike Johnston Calls for Federal Aid and Work Authorization for Migrants as City Faces Potential $180,000 Annual Bill for Immigrant Services

Denver is struggling to provide shelter and resources for the influx of nearly 40,000 immigrants, many of whom are from Venezuela applying for asylum under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has called the situation both a humanitarian and fiscal crisis, with the city potentially facing an annual bill of $180,000 for immigrant services.
Many of the immigrants, who were sent to Denver and other cities by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, are unable to work due to restrictions on their asylum status, leading to increased strain on city resources.
Denver's shelters are overwhelmed, and the city has had to limit how long migrants can stay in government-provided rooms.
Johnston has called for federal aid, work authorization for migrants, and a coordinated entry system to better manage the situation.