Office of Immigrant and 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.

PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES

Citizenship

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!

Questions about eligibility and application? Visit this USCIS page for more information

Looking for a qualified immigration attorney? Visit the AILA search page

Here are other community partners holding Citizenship info sessions and workshops!

Denver Public Library

Mi Familia Vota - Colorado

Colorado African Organization

Asian Pacific Development Center

Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Clinic

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

para aprender más visita

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.

Public Charge Proposed Rule Change

What is a 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.

An immigrant who is found likely to become a “public charge” may be denied admission to the U.S. or lawful permanent resident status.

Learn more here.

Background Information
Colorado Center on Law & Policy Backgrounder (English)
Colorado Center on Law & Policy Backgrounder (Spanish)
Colorado Center on Law & Policy Presentation (English)
Colorado Center on Law & Policy Presentation (Spanish)

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

Event Announcement
The Denver Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs and the Colorado Center on Law and Policy will be holding an information session on Thursday, June 28^th at 2:00pm at the Eastside Human Services Building (3815 Steele St) for information about the Public Charge proposed rule change. We will provide a panel of speakers who will share information about what the propose rule change is, what potential impacts to immigrant families will look like and what to expect next.

Check out the event flyer here.