Republican activists in the Denver suburbs are expressing discomfort with the new population of largely Venezuelan migrants that has overwhelmed public services in the area. These activists gathered in a school lunchroom to hear political pitches from candidates, highlighting immigration as a top issue in the region. The situation in the suburbs contrasts with Monterrey, Mexico, where migrants are also transforming the city but are not part of the political conversation as the country prepares for its presidential vote on June 2. The differences in how migration is resonating in the U.S. and Mexico reflect the countries’ distinct democratic styles.
Mexican politics are dominated by institutional parties, while the U.S. has a more populist approach, with immigration playing a central role due to Donald Trump’s influence. In Mexico, the focus is more on economic issues, and migration is a common experience for many families. The perception of chaos at the border is driving Trump’s campaign, while in Mexico, the issue is not a top priority for politicians. In Monterrey, a critical stop for migrants, the local response has been divided, with some residents supporting providing work for migrants while others believe the flow should stop.
In Colorado, specifically in Denver, a surge in Venezuelan migrants has caused strain on local resources and services. The mayor reports a high number of new migrants per capita in the city, leading to financial burdens and tensions with other nearby cities. Migrants in Denver face challenges with obtaining work authorization, resorting to irregular labor to make a living. The issue has become a point of contention in the state’s upcoming House of Representatives race, with residents expressing frustration and differing views on the situation.
In contrast, some individuals in the Denver area, like a city worker who witnesses new arrivals daily, believe in supporting and welcoming the migrants, emphasizing the need for assistance from the federal government. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, a Democrat whose parents were Mexican immigrants, supports measures to address immigration issues, including legalizing those brought to the country illegally as children. The political deadlock over immigration reform in the U.S. contrasts with the evolving dynamics in Mexico, where the issue is not at the forefront of the presidential campaign. The complexity of migration politics highlights the challenges and divisions within each country.
