With more than 32,000 migrant arrivals in the city of Denver alone as of December 2023, federal Democratic lawmakers from Colorado have called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to increase support for cities and nonprofits assisting those migrants.
In a letter, the lawmakers – who include U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, as well as U.S. Reps. Jason Crow, Joe Neguse, Diana DeGette, Yadira Caraveo, and Brittany Pettersen – specifically requested additional funding for the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), expansion of the program’s eligibility options, and technical assistance for communities setting up programs to support migrant arrivals.
“Colorado has experienced a significant influx of migrants in recent months, which is placing considerable strain on state and local government resources and nonprofit organizations,” the lawmakers wrote. “These partners are at the forefront of providing essential services to migrants and are in dire need of additional support. Buses bringing migrants into our state are now a daily occurrence, and we are seeing a growing trend of migrants initially arriving in Denver and then moving into other communities across Colorado.”
Colorado taxpayers, they further noted, largely take on the costs of temporary housing, food, transportation and other necessities for these arrivals. However, local communities and nonprofits are stretched on their capacity to provide adequate support. Last year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security provided $8.6 million for Denver alone to support migrant assistance.
“The situation in Colorado reflects a broader national challenge,” the lawmakers said. “As such, it is imperative that FEMA responds proactively to ensure that all communities facing similar crises have the opportunity to apply for and receive adequate support.”
Swift action is needed, they added, to guarantee new arrivals have shelter and support through harsh and unpredictable winter conditions.