In a recent interview with Denver Democratic Mayor Mike Johnston, the issue of the influx of migrants from Texas to Denver was discussed. Mayor Johnston expressed empathy towards the migrants, stating that many of them are professionals, including school principals and engineers, fleeing their home countries due to threats of violence. He emphasized that these migrants are the embodiment of the ideals inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, seeking freedom and a better life in America.
However, the mayor also acknowledged the strain that the sudden increase in migrants has placed on Denver. He revealed that some migrants arriving in Denver actually intended to reach other cities such as Chicago or Los Angeles where they have family or job opportunities. In an effort to reunite them with their networks, Denver has helped facilitate their travel to their desired destinations. Similarly, other cities have reciprocated by sending migrants to Denver who have family connections in the city.
The conversation then shifted to the issue of work permits for migrants. Mayor Johnston passionately defended the migrants' desire to work, stating that they have skills and are willing to contribute to the American economy. He stressed the importance of job opportunities for these individuals, asserting that it is more American to provide employment than to ask them to rely solely on government support. The mayor also mentioned that various industries, including restaurants, hotels, landscaping, and construction, have many open positions that could be filled by migrants.
Regarding the concerns raised by Senator John Cornyn about work permits acting as a magnet for more migrants, Mayor Johnston emphasized that it is ultimately up to Congress to determine the admission policy based on the country's capacity to support arrivals. However, he pointed out that cities and states can collaborate to coordinate the entry of migrants, just as they have successfully done with refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan. By providing work authorization and federal support, these individuals have thrived in their new communities.
Mayor Johnston acknowledged that the current situation is unsustainable in its current form, particularly in terms of the strain it places on local budgets. He proposed solutions such as work authorization for migrants upon arrival and increased resources at the border to expedite the processing of asylum claims. By doing so, migrants could contribute to the workforce while awaiting their court hearings, reducing the need for extensive federal support.
While the mayor acknowledged the challenges faced by cities like Denver and the concerns voiced by residents, he remained hopeful that with collaboration and strategic planning, the migrant issue could be resolved in a responsible and humane manner. He urged the federal government to provide the necessary resources and support to address the backlog of asylum claims, which would ultimately benefit both the migrants and the communities they join.
As the conversation came to a close, the potential long-term impact on Denver's budget was discussed. Mayor Johnston agreed that the current structure is unsustainable, but reiterated that with appropriate work authorization and federal assistance, the strain on local resources could be alleviated. The mayor emphasized that the more work authorization is granted, the less federal support would be required, creating a more sustainable and mutually beneficial solution.
Ultimately, the interview shed light on the complexities of the migrant issue and the need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts between local and federal governments to address the challenges and opportunities associated with their arrival.
