Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs | Human Rights and Community Relations

Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs

The Denver Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs promotes greater awareness and integration of immigrant and refugee residents in Denver. We partner with nonprofits, community based organizations, residents and government agencies to develop and implement policies, practices and programs that influence the various paths of immigrant integration.

If you are an immigrant or refugee: You can find valuable resources and information from local nonprofits, libraries and government agencies though our online Denver Immigrant and Refugee Resource Directory.
If you are a community based organization or non-profit: We would love to chat about how collaboration and partnership can be leveraged to increase community impact and reach. We would be happy to address the challenges and opportunities you find your clients and customers facing in order to bridge more successfully to the appropriate city agency where dialogue, recommendation and partnership can lead to action.
If you are a government agency, office or department: We can help your agency develop a greater understanding of the immigrant and refugee community needs in Denver, share best practices and recommended strategies for outreach.

Public Charge

Latest News on Public Charge
On October 10, 2018, the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed public charge regulation was published in the Federal Register. This regulation would mark a fundamental change from our nation’s historic commitment to welcoming immigrants.

You can view the DHS proposed rule HERE.

The public comment period for President Trump's proposed public charge regulation has ended. Together, over 200,000 comments were delivered to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) opposing this proposal. The proposed rule has not been finalized and DHS must review and respond to every issue presented in the comments.

What is Public Charge?
“Public Charge” is a term used by U.S. immigration officials to refer to a person who is considered likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence.

Learn more here.

Additional Background Information
Colorado Center on Law and Policy Public Charge Resource Page
Colorado Center on Law and Policy Fact Sheet

Key Resource Websites
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Things to keep in mind when talking to immigrant families (NILC)

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Programs and Initiatives

Citizenship

Denver wants you to Take the Next Step to become a US Citizen!

Denver is home to approximately 30,000 residents who are eligible for citizenship!

As a U.S. Citizen, you can:

Travel with a U.S. Passport, access more job opportunities, vote in elections and much more!

LEARN MORE HERE!!!

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

The Status of DACA:

*Updated August 6, 2018*

On August 3, 2018, U.S. District Judge John D. Bates ruled that the Trump Administration had still failed to justify its proposal to end DACA. Earlier in the year, in April, Judge Bates ruled that the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) legal explanation for the decision to end the DACA program was unpersuasive. The federal judge had given DHS 90 days to deliver a better explanation for why the program should be ended. If the judge was not convinced by DHS' new explanation, then U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may be ordered to accept new initial DACA applications. In this most recent ruling, he has upheld his order. But Judge Bates also agreed to delay his ruling for 20 days to give the administration time to respond and appeal.

This August ruling has not changed who is eligible to apply for the DACA program. If you have not had DACA in the past, you still cannot yet apply. If you have previously been granted DACA and remain eligible, you can still apply.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is currently accepting DACA renewal applications, as well as applications from DACA eligible community members whose DACA status has expired.

DACA Resources in the Denver Metro Area (PDF)

Visit here for more DACA-related information.

Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund

The fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations to provide representation for qualified individuals threatened with or in removal proceedings.

At its core, providing representation to immigrants in removal proceedings is not about who deserves to stay or be deported, it is about bringing fairness to complex immigration proceedings that pit immigrants against experienced government attorneys, and tear communities and families apart.

Legal defense should not be for only those who can afford it
Immigrants are over 10 times more likely to be able to stay in the country when they have representation
Deportation proceedings are the only legal proceedings in the United States where people are detained without access to legal representation

To learn more visit the Legal Services Fund page here.

Para aprender más visita la página del fondo de servicios legales aquí

Immigrant Integration Mini-Grants

The Denver Immigrant Integration Mini-Grant program provides funding for Denver residents to create small, community-driven projects designed to bridge immigrant and receiving communities, create stronger and more connected neighborhoods, address community needs, and foster community pride.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Immigrant and Refugee Assistance

The recent Trump Administration Executive Orders regarding immigration, deportation and travel have caused sincere confusion and concern in our communities. In the coming days and weeks, the Hancock Administration will be gearing up legal protections and supportive services and working with other providers to ensure immigrant and refugee communities have the resources they need and know what their rights are. That starts with empowering people with information and resources.

Denver has a history of welcoming immigrants and refugees and will continue to act as a welcoming city and an ally for all new arrivals.

Learn more here.

My City Academy

My City Academy is a free leadership-training program sponsored by the Denver Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs and the Denver Police Department that empowers Denver residents to understand and participate in City Government. The purpose of the program is to connect Denver residents to their communities by providing the tools necessary for residents to successfully navigate City services and gain resources to become leaders in their neighborhoods. This program is open to applicants ages 14 and older.

Learn more here.