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.
- 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.
Our Programs
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.
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.
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.
2019 Denver Immigrant and Refugee Community and Neighborhood Assessment Report
The Denver Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs (DOIRA) promotes greater awareness and integration of immigrant and refugee residents in Denver by collaborating 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. A key component of understanding the needs of different immigrant and refugee populations is knowing the population itself. This report outlines the characteristics of Denver’s immigrant and refugee community. Through the information provided in this report, DOIRA and organizations doing similar work can use this as a blueprint for policy and outreach efforts.
2019 Denver Immigrant and Refugee Community and Neighborhood Assessment Report (PDF)
Helpful Resources
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!
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.
Colorado requires an Affidavit of Lawful Presence to obtain a business license in the State of Colorado.
Find more information about the Business License Center and a copy of the Affidavit of Lawful Presence here.
En Español
La ley de Colorado requiere una Declaración Jurada (Affidavit) de Presencia Legal para obtener una licencia de negocios en el Estado de Colorado.
Para más información del “Business License Center” y para una copia del Affidavit of Lawful Presence(Declaración Jurada de Presencia Legal) pulsar (hacer clic) aquí.
Check out immigrant and language maps here.
This information was created to assist government, nonprofit, and business organizations in outreaching to Denver's various demogrpahic groups.
Use the maps, share the maps, and contact jessica.jorgensen@denvergov.org with any questions or for more information.
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.
Below are resources for immigrants and refugees in the Denver metro area.
Immigrant & Refugee Resource List (Arabic) (PDF)
Immigrant & Refugee Resource List (Burmese) (PDF)
Immigrant & Refugee Resource List (English) (PDF)
Immigrant & Refugee Resource List (French) (PDF)
Immigrant & Refugee Resource List (Karen) (PDF)
Immigrant & Refugee Resource List (Nepali) (PDF)
Immigrant & Refugee Resource List (Spanish) (PDF)
Statement from HRCP and the Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs “Many Denver residents – our family, friends and neighbors – are feeling the immense weight and fear of the Trump Administration’s continued threats of ICE raids. The Denver Agency for Human Rights & Community Partnerships and the Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs want to ensure that all Denver residents, regardless of immigration status, understand they have rights and protections under the law. We encourage residents to look out for and check in on each other and to share Know Your Immigrant Rights information. |
Denver is a welcoming city that is fortunate to have a caring community and a broad network of organizations that come together to provide resources for those who seek help as well as a place to report concerns about ICE activity.”
Resources: Colorado Rapid Response Network |
Latest News on Public Charge
On August 14, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security’s published a final rule regarding the public charge regulation in the Federal Register. This regulation will mark a fundamental change from our nation’s historic commitment to welcoming immigrants.
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.
What is Public Charge Fact Sheets
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)
Refugee Affairs
720-913-8457
immigrants@denvergov.org
Location & Hours
Webb Municipal Building, 2nd Floor
201 W. Colfax Avenue, Dept. 1102
Denver, CO 80202
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Agency for Human Rights & Community Partnerships
Main: (720) 913-8450 | TTY: (720) 913-8475 | Fax: (720) 913-8470
