In a controversial move that has sparked outrage among many citizens, the city of Denver's bankrupting sanctuary city policies have extended the eligibility of their failed universal income program to non-citizen migrants.

The Denver Basic Income Program, which was initially introduced in 2021 with $2 million in funding from the city, has now announced its extension for another six months starting in February 2024.

The program, which pays homeless individuals a regular stipend, was intended to assist citizens in need. However, the recent decision to include non-citizen migrants raises serious concerns about the city's financial stability and its commitment to prioritizing its own residents.

According to the city's statement, the $2 million allocated to the Denver Basic Income Project in 2022 was specifically designated for women, families, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals. While the program was initially open to anyone who met the eligibility requirements, the inclusion of non-citizen migrants further stretches its already limited resources.

As the largest program of its kind in the country, the Denver Basic Income Project has already paid over $6.5 million in direct cash payments to more than 800 homeless individuals and families. Despite its intention to reduce the city’s homeless population, it has nearly doubled since the program began.

Under the program, payments range from $50 to $1,000 per month, with additional one-time cash transfers of $6,500 and 11 monthly payments of $500, depending on the participants' classification. This level of financial support is a significant burden on the city's already strained budget, especially considering the additional individuals who will now be eligible for the program.

Since April 2022, over 11,100 migrants have been transported to Denver, putting a further strain on the city's resources and infrastructure.

With the city reporting 5,818 homeless people in January 2023, the decision to expand the Denver Basic Income Program to non-citizen migrants seems ill-advised. While the city has commenced its 2024 homeless count, the results have yet to be announced.

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• CASTLE ROCK CHURCH CHALLENGES TOWN'S BAN ON SHELTERING HOMELESS IN RVS, CITING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

It is crucial for Denver's leaders to focus on addressing the needs of their own citizens and finding sustainable solutions for homelessness, rather than further burdening the city with unsustainable programs and policies.

As critics argue, Denver's bankrupting sanctuary city policies, coupled with the extension of the failed universal income program to non-citizen migrants, raise serious concerns about the city's ability to effectively manage its resources and prioritize the well-being of its own residents. It is imperative that city officials reconsider their approach and redirect their efforts towards comprehensive solutions that truly benefit the people of Denver.