Denver Mayor Mike Johnston discusses turning immigration lemons into lemonade by launching proactive programs in Denver to help migrants with work authorization. The podcast also explores state-sponsored visas, strategies for migrant employment, and the importance of federal support in addressing immigration challenges.
Denver Mayor sees immigration as a workforce opportunity, focusing on job training and assistance for migrants.
State-sponsored visas proposed as a solution to immigration crisis, targeting industries with high demand.
Deep dives
Denver's Innovative Approach to Migrant Crisis
Denver's mayor, Mike Johnston, views the migrant crisis as an opportunity rather than a crisis. By focusing on allowing migrants to work, Johnston aims to turn the challenge into a workforce pipeline. Denver has set up an asylum seeker program providing legal help, job training, and financial assistance, creating a pathway for migrants to gain work authorization within six months.
State-Sponsored Visas: A Solution Proposed by Libertarians
The Cato Institute, represented by David J. Beer, suggests state-sponsored visas as a solution to the immigration crisis. This approach allows states to sponsor individuals for visas, targeting industries with high demand but low workforce. Canada's similar program has been successful, indicating the viability of state-based immigration initiatives.
The Need for Federal Government Involvement in Immigration Solutions
Experts like Aaron Reikland Melnick advocate for a new federal department, the Center for Migrant Coordination, to provide leadership in migrant response. While cities and states have taken proactive measures to address immigration challenges, a coordinated federal effort is crucial for effective and sustainable solutions. Without federal support, the burden falls on local entities to manage the impact of immigration.
When it comes to immigration solutions, the federal government is handing out lemons. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is making lemonade.
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.