A group of locals in the Denver area are encouraging noncitizens, specifically migrants, to start their own businesses while waiting for legal work status. Denver has been known as a sanctuary city that welcomes migrants, with over 41,000 newcomers from the U.S.-Mexico border being taken in by the city at a cost of approximately $69 million. Due to limited federal funding and inaction on border security in Congress, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has initiated an asylum-seeker program to address the rising costs associated with hosting migrants and to provide long-term solutions for the city’s services.
The Asylum Seekers Program introduced by Mayor Johnston aims to accommodate asylum seekers by offering six months of housing assistance, workforce training, and food assistance while they wait for their work authorization, which may take up to 180 days. Recognizing the significant delay in receiving work permits, local groups like Highlands Moms & Neighbors are encouraging migrants to start their own businesses as a way to generate income rather than waiting on Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which may not be applicable to all migrants. By creating limited liability companies (LLCs), migrants can use their skills and work experience to earn income independently.
While some migrants may benefit from starting their own businesses, there are concerns regarding the capacity of the asylum program to accommodate all migrants seeking refuge in Denver. Critics, such as migrant advocate V. Reeves, argue that the program falls short in providing adequate support to the increasing numbers of migrants in the city. Reeves has criticized the lack of consultation with local advocacy groups and resources during the program rollout, leading to potential challenges for migrants navigating the system and accessing necessary support.
Highlands Moms & Neighbors, a local group with over 8,100 members, has been instrumental in supporting migrants by connecting them to shelters, advocacy organizations, and essential services. The group has dedicated significant volunteer hours to serving meals and supporting migrants, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in aiding newcomers. Despite challenges related to banking and financial management for migrants starting businesses, members of the group remain committed to finding solutions to help migrants establish stable financial footing.
The initiative to encourage migrants to start their own businesses aligns with efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and empower individuals to contribute to the community and economy. By enabling noncitizens to create businesses without requiring green cards or legal citizenship, Denver residents are promoting innovation and economic opportunities for migrants. While there may be obstacles to overcome, such as banking challenges, the group remains optimistic about the positive impact of supporting migrant entrepreneurship in the long run. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a supportive environment that allows migrants to thrive and contribute positively to society.
