Denver, Colorado, known as a “sanctuary city,” will soon be implementing restrictions on the length of time that illegal border crossers can stay in shelters.
The city has experienced an influx of approximately 40,000 illegal immigrants in the past year, many of whom arrive by bus from the Texas-Mexico border.
Starting on February 5th, Denver will limit these individuals’ stay in its shelters. As a result, some families have already received eviction notices from their temporary housing accommodations, which are being paid for by the city.
This new policy poses challenges for the city regarding enforcement and finding alternative solutions for those who exceed their allowed shelter stay.
Additionally, Denver Health, a hospital considered a safety net for vulnerable populations, is seeking financial assistance from both state and federal governments due to $10 million in unpaid medical bills incurred by migrants.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston predicts that the unexpected surge of migrants will require $100 million by 2024 to cover housing, education, healthcare, and other necessary services.
This situation highlights the strain placed on resources and infrastructure when communities experience sudden population increases.
Here’s a tweet from the Mayor of Denver in 2019:
Our country was built on the promise to welcome everyone — including refugees and asylum seekers. We are a nation conceived and created by those seeking a better life. Trump is betraying those values. https://t.co/NuDDuTPqIW
— Mayor Mike Johnston (@MikeJohnstonCO) July 19, 2019
As it turns out, welcoming everyone is a bit overwhelming.
