DENVER — An estimated 5,500 migrants who are in Denver are eligible for temporary protected status, which would allow them to work in the United States.
In mid-September, President Joe Biden expanded TPS to migrants who arrived from Venezuela before July 31.
Without TPS designation, many migrants are forced to find work under the table in situations where they may become victims of wage theft or unfair employer practices. Some who went through immigration at the border were able to receive work permits, but there is a waiting period before that is possible.
The application for TPS can be complicated, and depending on the circumstances, the fee can be up to $545 for one person who is applying for both TPS and the work permit.
"It can be kind of challenging to apply for the work permit because it’s a complicated government form and you have to know which form to fill out. You need to have internet access or a way to submit that form. It can be as much as $545 for one person to apply for those different opportunities," said Sarah Kurz, Chief Impact Officer with Rose Community Foundation.
Rose Community Foundation is planning to put on legal clinics for migrants eligible for TPS. The organization also plans to cover the cost of the application fee and help with the application.
"Most of the folks that come to Denver have been traveling for months to get here, and they are coming with very little," Kurz said. "So even just the cost to apply for these permits can be pretty prohibitive, and we are trying to help cover those costs."
If all of the estimated 5,500 migrants eligible for TPS in Denver apply, Rose Community Foundation estimates it would cost more than $2.5 million in application fees alone. That wouldn't include the cost of legal aid and other services to provide the support.
"Connecting folks with work permits and the opportunity to find legal employment is a complete game changer for this population," Kurz said. "Connecting folks with those opportunities is going to let them build a life for themselves here."
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS