Failed Liberalism: A city of 710,000 struggles to cope with 40,000 indigent migrants
Denver, a city with a population of just over 710,000, has found itself at the forefront of the migrant crisis, with nearly 40,000 indigent migrants arriving in the past year. This makes Denver the top destination per capita for newly arrived migrants crossing the U.S. southern border and traveling north in buses from Texas.
It is all too apparent that Denver’s "sanctuary city" policies have failed its taxpayers, leaving them to bear the burden.
The influx of migrants is taking a toll and has stretched city services to the breaking point. Starting February 5th, the city will be implementing measures to limit the number of days migrants can stay in shelters. Those who exceed their stay will be forced out onto the streets, further exacerbating the already dire situation.
One Venezuelan family, consisting of a mother, father, and their three daughters, shared their plight with NBC News. They have been staying at a hotel paid for by the city but have recently received notice of their impending eviction. The mother expressed their uncertainty, stating, "Just yesterday they started throwing away the toys, the bicycles in the common area. We don't know where we will go next."
Critics point to this predicaments and argue that open borders are neither fair or safe for U.S citizen or the millions of migrants coming into the U.S. without a trade, home, or understanding the language.
The immigrant strain is also evident in Denver's healthcare system. Denver Health, the city's "safety net" hospital, is now seeking additional funding from both the state and federal government to cover $10 million in unpaid medical bills from indigent migrants. This financial burden adds to the already mounting challenges faced by Denver's taxpayers.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston estimates that the city will require $100 million in 2024 alone to address the housing, schooling, healthcare, and other services needed due to the unexpected influx of migrants.
The strain on resources is overwhelming, and the city's long-standing "sanctuary city" policies have only exacerbated the situation.
While other cities like New York and Chicago have seen major protests in response to the influx of migrants, Denver has taken a different approach. Residents have joined forces with nonprofits to donate food and clothing, and even organized carpools to ensure that new migrant students can attend school.
However, these efforts, while possibly commendable, cannot sustain the overwhelming numbers.
READ MORE:
DENVER'S FAILED UNIVERSAL INCOME PROGRAM OPENS THE FLOODGATES TO NON-CITIZEN MIGRANTS
MAJORITY OF DEMOCRAT VOTERS SUPPORT CANDIDATES ADVOCATING FOR 'OPEN' BORDERS
TRUCK CONVOY HEADING TO SOUTHERN BORDER CALLING ITSELF AN ‘ARMY OF GOD’
DENVER MAYOR WARNS OF POTENTIAL $180 MILLION IMPACT OF IMMIGRANT INFLUX ON DENVER’S TAXPAYERS
The Denver Public School system has seen nearly 3,000 immigrant children, predominantly from Venezuela, join since July. Schools receive funding based on their population in October, making it challenging to accommodate the increasing numbers.
The Biden administration has requested $1.4 billion in grants to assist local governments and nonprofits in providing temporary food, shelter, and other services for recently arrived indigent migrants.
Republicans have been reluctant to allocate additional funds until Democrats and the White House agree to legislative changes aimed at restricting immigration across the southern border.
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