Denver Mayor Warns of Potential $180 Million Impact of Immigrant Influx on Denver’s Taxpayers
Mayor Mike Johnston is warning that the recent influx of immigrants could cost the sanctuary city of Denver a staggering $180 million unless there is federal intervention. Speaking at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, Mayor Johnston shared the challenges his city is facing and called for urgent action.
Since December 2022, over 36,000 immigrants have arrived in Denver, placing an overwhelming strain on the city's resources.
Mayor Johnston, attending the conference and meeting with President Joe Biden, emphasized the need for federal support to address the financial burden on his city.
In an interview with MSNBC's José Díaz-Balart Reports, Mayor Johnston expressed concern about the impact on Denver's budget. He stated, "Without federal support and without federal action, the impact on a city like Denver would be $180 million in 2024 alone. That's more than 10% of our entire city budget."
Denver is committed to providing shelter for immigrant women and children, particularly during the harsh winter months. Many of these individuals arrive with inadequate clothing, often wearing t-shirts and sandals. The city has taken on the responsibility of providing winter clothing to ensure their well-being.
During the conference, mayors collectively called for work authorization, federal funding, and an enhanced plan for the entry of asylum-seekers, urging action from the U.S. Senate and the president. Mayor Johnston expressed optimism about a potential bipartisan deal in the Senate that could address the challenges at hand.
"It seems clear there will be a bipartisan deal in the Senate that will support these kind of common-sense solutions," Mayor Johnston remarked. "We know that will get passed through a Republican-controlled House. I'm sure President (Donald) Trump will push that House leadership not to pass that, but I think the question here is: Do we want to do something that will fundamentally address and solve a humanitarian crisis this country is facing, a fiscal crisis our cities will be facing, or do we want to intentionally destroy that effort just to try to play politics in an election year? I'm hopeful we'll see better angels of people's natures prevail and try to get to a solution that will have bipartisan support."
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The statistics from U.S. Customs and Border Protection reveal the magnitude of the immigration situation.
In December 2023 alone, over 302,000 individuals were processed at the U.S.-Mexico border. Since President Biden took office, it is reported that over 10 million immigrants have entered the country illegally, marking the highest number during a comparable time frame for any administration.