Immigrant Assistance

Did you know that more than 40,000 immigrants have arrived in Denver in the last two years? The vast majority of this specific group of people turned themselves in at the US border, were processed by border agents, permitted to enter the country and are here with papers providing them various paths to legal status depending on their country of origin, the dates they arrived and how they turned themselves in. They all have an “A” number, which is basically our country’s ID number for them so as to track where they are and where they are in their legal process. The majority of these have been from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, other parts of South America, as well as Haiti, Afghanistan and parts of Africa and Asia. 

This is the first time Denver has experienced an influx like this to the point where right now many immigrants are living on the street, in encampments, under bridges, etc, waiting to get their legal paperwork processed (this includes work permits) so that they can afford rent and not be evicted. At the time of writing this (May 2024) I personally know a husband, wife and their one year old who are living under a bridge after being evicted four weeks ago because they just can’t earn enough until they get legal work when their paperwork comes through. On the upside, there are many hard working (and over-tired) non-profit organizations, city officials and staff, and independent volunteers throughout Denver metro that are pouring hours and hours into supporting them in various ways. This support reaches even to the grassroots level where hundreds of volunteers are caring for the immigrants with tents, bedding, heaters, and food as they live outside until they can get their paperwork processed. Some volunteers even have immigrants living in their homes or are helping them rent apartments. It is an amazing, organic and beautiful act of love to see. 

– Cherith Flowerday