As influx of people from Latin America continues, Colorado leaders want more migrants in temporary jobs

DENVER — Colorado leaders want the federal government to do more to expedite the process of work authorization visas for incoming migrants from Central and South America, arguing the move would save taxpayers money in the long run and help state businesses along the way.

One such business is CoCal Landscape, which Jesus “Chuy” Medrano has owned for more than 30 years.

“Even though the economy is kind of tough, we’re succeeding. We find ways to become more efficient, especially with good hands,” Medrano said.

But good hands are hard to come by. Medrano has tried everything to attract new hires.

“I’m not against hiring local help. I love it,” he said. But over the years, he’s had to rely more and more on foreign workers.

Jay Rezendes, one of the employees CoCal has hired from abroad, said “we come to contribute to the state, to the country and the company, so that we can all grow together.”

CoCal hires foreigners through the H2B visa program: One of the United States’ almost two dozen types of temporary work authorizations.

More than half of Colorado’s H2B workers are landscapers. Most others work in housekeeping, construction, ski resorts and hotels.

“H2B, I hope that never goes away. We need it,” Medrano said.

And he isn’t the only Coloradan who thinks so.

With thousands of migrants arriving in Denver this year, the cost of shelter and other services is adding up. Colorado, and the city and county of Denver, have spent more than $31 million to help more than 13,000 migrants since last December. When migrants aren’t allowed to work, nonprofits and taxpayers support them.

But many of Colorado’s top officials see an opportunity for these migrants to work, and support themselves, while they wait for their day in immigration court.

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