Officials and experts in the Denver area are pointing fingers at the federal government’s broken immigration system for the influx of undocumented migrants in Colorado. They gathered at a town hall meeting to discuss the issue, with opinions on how to address it varying.
Violeta Chapin, a law professor at the University of Colorado, highlighted the challenges faced by border states like Florida and Texas in dealing with unlawful migration to the United States. She emphasized the lack of legal pathways for people to immigrate, leading to 11 million undocumented individuals living in the country.
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Douglas County Commissioner Abe Lydon expressed differing views on the issue. Coffman noted the politicization of immigration in Washington, while Lydon criticized Denver for its approach to illegal immigrants, comparing it to a restaurant with a welcoming sign but no resources to support them.
Denver has become a focal point in the debate over illegal immigration, with over 41,530 undocumented migrants arriving in the city in the last 16 months. The city is facing significant financial costs in caring for these individuals, leading to budget cuts in various departments.
Despite efforts from nonprofits and community members to support undocumented migrants, the strain on resources is evident. The situation has prompted neighboring cities and counties to revoke their offers of assistance preemptively.
Overall, the challenges posed by illegal immigration in Denver underscore the need for comprehensive reform at the federal level to address the root causes of the issue.
