DENVER (NewsNation) — Officials in Denver continue to urge the federal government to expedite work permits for migrants, as the fiscal burden of housing thousands of asylum-seekers is forcing the city to cut back on services such as the Department of Motor Vehicles.
In the past year, tens of thousands of Venezuelan migrants have arrived in the Mile High City seeking asylum in the U.S. However, the asylum process can take years due to overwhelmed federal immigration courts. While federal law permits migrants to obtain work permits while awaiting their case, they still encounter long waiting periods depending on how they applied for asylum.
During the winter months, migrants can be seen working odd jobs such as cleaning houses, shoveling snow and cleaning windshields at busy intersections, often earning cash under the table.
Nonprofit groups in the city are taking proactive measures to assist migrants by helping them sign up for work authorization permits through a new program. These permits not only provide migrants with legal authorization to work but also offer a layer of security, reducing the risk of exploitation by employers.
This comes as employers in Denver are grappling with a labor shortage, particularly in construction. The mayor’s office is collaborating with legal partners to assist hundreds of migrants in applying for work permits, aiming to address the workforce demand.
Many migrants are eligible for permits because they entered the country legally through the CBP One app.
Timing for these permits is crucial, as the city has already begun removing migrant families from shelters, forcing them to the streets as the city resumes length-of-stay policies.
Eligible migrants attended work authorization clinics, where nearly 400 newcomers received assistance in submitting applications with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
To address the financial challenges posed by the migrant influx, Mayor Mike Johnston is advocating for federal funding. In the meantime, he’s taken significant actions, reallocating $10 million from the contingency fund and $15 million from a business remodel fund.
The city is strategically managing its budget by keeping positions vacant and conducting a thorough review of contracts and programs. These measures aim to lessen the impact on crucial services, including DMV offices and recreation centers.