By The newspaper
05 Jun 2024, 20:43 PM EDT
Starting this Wednesday, the city of Denver, Colorado, has significantly reduced the housing time offered to newly arrived immigrants, limiting it to just three days. This decision marks a drastic change in the previous policies of the city, which previously provided long-term services and has assisted more than 42,000 foreigners.
In a statement issued by the Denver Department of Human Services, the city reaffirmed its commitment to helping migrants arriving in the city.
“Denver’s values have not changed. We still want to help migrants who arrive in our city. But the help will no longer be for them to settle in Denver, but for them to go wherever they want to be,” the department explained, according to the EFE agency.
During the 72 hours of accommodation in municipal shelters, immigrants will have free internet access, showers, laundry services, and will be able to consult with social workers to make travel plans to their final destinations.
Additionally, they will receive guidance on potential work authorizations and housing assistance. These services are offered with the aim of facilitating your transition to other cities, with Chicago, New York and Washington DC being the most popular destinations.
Factors for measurement
The decision to limit accommodation time was based on several factors. According to the statement, three out of four immigrants who initially seek help in Denver move to other cities in a short time.
Likewise, the possibility of a new wave of immigrants during the next summer and the high costs of the services offered were considered. Municipal expenses on accommodation, transportation, food and specific services for minors have exceeded $71 million dollars.
Additionally, a report from the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a local nonpartisan organization, revealed that Denver Public Schools have spent approximately $98 million to welcome about 16,000 new immigrant students, and public hospitals have allocated $48 million of dollars to health care for newcomers.
In total, Denver and neighboring cities have spent between $216 million and $340 million in the past 20 months to respond to the influx of new immigrants. The figure varies depending on whether or not additional expenses such as subsidies to community groups and private security costs are included.
The federal government has reimbursed only $25 million of these expenses, leaving a considerable financial burden on municipal coffers.
With information from EFE.
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