New migrants remain hopeful despite challenges
Story and Photos By Giles Clasen
The City of Denver has served nearly 40,000 new immigrants, often by offering shelter in hotels. New immigrant families were allowed to spend up to 42 days in a hotel before being released, while single men and women were often housed for up to 14 days. Denver sheltered 5,205 individuals at the peak of service on January 11, 2024. Since then, the number of individuals sheltered in hotels has decreased significantly.
New immigrant camp sits on the plains with the mountains in the background. Credit: Giles Clasen
The long wait for a work permit has left many struggling to earn a living. Those who are unable to work have often turned to living in homeless encampments once they lose the shelter provided by the City.
Since I began volunteering at new immigrant camps around Denver, there are three things I’ve noticed among most of the new immigrant communities:
Most of the new immigrants I have met participated in CBPOne [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] appointments before entering the United States. They crossed the border legally and are scheduled for immigration hearings, which in time, will determine their eligibility to remain in the U.S.
Almost everyone I’ve spoken with wants to work. Every day, I receive several texts and messages from new immigrants through WhatsApp, asking how they can find jobs.
Despite living on the streets and in tents, the majority of the new migrants are thrilled to be in the U.S. One person told me that even though they live in a tent, they are in a better situation than when they were in Venezuela. In Venezuela, they had they had little opportunity and no hope that their circumstances would change. In Denver, individuals and families are looking past their short-term struggles and are hopeful for future opportunities for themselves and their families.