DENVER — A majority of migrants staying in Denver's shelters don't qualify for federal work authorization.
There are more than 3,000 people in shelters right now. After a screening process in early February to find out which migrants staying in shelters are eligible for work authorization, Denver had about 400 people sign up for upcoming work clinics.
The work clinics took place this week to help people fill out the necessary paperwork.
"We have called repeatedly for expansion to that program so people who are here can go ahead and get jobs, can go ahead and stand on their own," said Jon Ewing, spokesperson for Denver Human Services.
The federal government granted people from Venezuela who arrived before July 31 temporary protected status — and with that, work permits.
"That means no one in our shelter qualifies for that program," Ewing said.
Ewing explained most often, migrants in Denver's shelters didn't enter the United States through an app. Asylum seekers use the CBP One app to legally go through a port of entry at the border.
"One thing you will hear is 'I wasn't able to get an appointment through this. When I got to the border they said it was going to be three weeks,'" he said.
Denver helped hundreds of people fill out paperwork this week so they can work in the United States. They wish they could do more.
"We are going to continue calling for expansion of work authorization but, in the meantime, we are going to work with every single person we have and try to find the best solution for them," Ewing said.
At stoplights in Denver, every car delivers hope for work. Migrants stand at intersections to try to wash car windows because they can't be hired for most jobs. Ewing said migrants want to work but many can't. Until laws change, Denver is helping the families that can.
"Let's work with the population that can and get them taken care of," he said.
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