Denver Mayor Proposes Pragmatic Solutions to Address Immigration Crisis
Denver Mayor, Mike Johnson, recently discussed the challenges his city is facing due to the ongoing immigration crisis, which is impacting the city's budget. Mayor Johnson shared his unique perspective on the matter and proposed practical solutions to address the issue.
During the interview, Mayor Johnson highlighted that the crisis has cost Denver approximately 10% of its budget, leading to a diversion of funds that could have been allocated elsewhere. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, he offered three key steps to help manage the crisis effectively.
Firstly, Mayor Johnson emphasized the need for expedited processing of asylum claims. He suggested that the timeframe for processing these claims should be reduced from the current six years to a more reasonable period, such as 30 or 90 days. This would ensure a swift and efficient resolution for those seeking asylum.
Secondly, he advocated for granting work authorization to migrants upon their arrival in the city. Mayor Johnson argued that allowing these individuals to work would eliminate the need for federal or state support. By providing migrants with the opportunity to support themselves immediately, the burden on public resources could be significantly reduced.
Lastly, the Mayor stressed the importance of implementing a coordinated entry system. He called for a collaborative effort among cities and states to determine appropriate locations for migrants based on capacity. Drawing parallels with previous refugee programs, Mayor Johnson highlighted the successful outcome that can be achieved with a well-organized and coordinated distribution process.
While addressing concerns about potential incentives for illegal immigration, Mayor Johnson emphasized that Congress should decide on the appropriate border admission policy. However, he reiterated that once individuals arrive in Denver or other cities, they should be allowed to work and contribute to society rather than relying solely on taxpayer support.
When questioned about the challenges faced by Texas in receiving a large influx of migrants, Mayor Johnson expressed empathy and emphasized the need for a national plan. He extended an offer to work with Governor Abbott and stressed that no single state or city should bear the entire burden of this crisis. Instead, a coordinated approach involving multiple cities and states could alleviate the strain and facilitate a more manageable solution.
Mayor Johnson further revealed that he has been in contact with Secretary Mayorkas, the White House, and other relevant authorities, advocating for more federal aid and resources to address the crisis effectively. Additionally, he emphasized the necessity of additional funding to support increased capacity at the border to expedite processing and enhance security measures.
Mayor Johnson's proposals aim to strike a balance between addressing the immediate challenges faced by cities like Denver and finding long-term solutions to manage the immigration crisis effectively. With his powerful voice and determination, he hopes to influence positive policy changes that will benefit not only Denver but also the entire nation.
