febrero 17, 2025

Denver would cut $180 million from its budget due to the migrant crisis

Denver would cut $180 million from its budget due to the migrant crisis

SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR DENVER | Mike Johnston accompanied by John Hickenlooper, Brittany Pettersen, Michael Bennett, and Jason Crow. (Photo/Facebook)

MAYOR MIKE JOHNSTON URGENTLY CALLS ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND CONGRESS FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO AVOID BUDGET CUTS IN THE CITY.

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

Faced with the growing migrant crisis in the city, Mayor Mike Johnston warns of the possibility of cutting $180 million from the 2024 budget. This situation has led the major to seek financial support from the federal government and the United States Congress. “We are facing a humanitarian crisis in the city of Denver without the intervention of Congress. We are considering cutting $180 million from the 2024 budget,” said Johnston.

Denver has received approximately 38,000 migrants since November 2022, and the city currently houses around 4,500 people in nine emergency shelters. At a press conference held outside the Senate in Washington, Mayor Johnston, along with Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Representatives Brittany Pettersen and Jason Crow, made a joint call for federal budgetary assistance.

Statements from Bennet, Pettersen, and Crow

Senator Bennet supported the mayor’s request, emphasizing that immigration matters fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. He also advocated for the need for migrants to receive work permits, contributing to the benefit of both the local population and those arriving in the country. “Immigration is the responsibility of the federal government. Denver wants migrants to receive work permits, and migration to be beneficial for those living here and those arriving in the country.”

Representative Pettersen highlighted the importance of a bipartisan approach in Congress to address the situation. She also emphasized the need to restructure the asylum system and create more efficient pathways to authorize migrant work. Meanwhile, Representative Crow underscored Colorado’s commitment to leading effective solutions to the migrant crisis, ensuring basic services and dignity for immigrants and refugees.

(Video/Senator Bennett Office)


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