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.

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.

You can submit your own comment HERE or below. Anyone can comment – residents, organizations, elected officials. 

Important to note
The Administration is legally required to review public comments on the proposed regulation. Commenters will not be required to give their address or divulge their immigration status. Members of the public may post official comments through Cities for Action.

Meeting Information
Join the Denver Immigrant and Refugee Commission on Wednesday, October 24 from 6-7pm at the Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, for a discussion about public charge and social barriers to health care for immigrants and refugees. This event is free and open to the public. The Commission meeting will continue after the presentation. If you or someone you know needs interpretation services, please contact Maria Corral at maria.corral@denvergov.org by October 19th. 

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 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)