Two large cities in the metro area have stepped up their role to help immigrants and refugees integrate into their communities.
Years before Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made stricter immigration measures a central part of his campaign, community leaders in Denver and Aurora worked to make the newcomers feel welcome.
In Denver, the number of new immigrants and refugees has held steady. But in Aurora, that number has rapidly increased. Officials in both say their cities will benefit from integrating diverse community members.
“Immigrant integration happens at the local level,” said Ricardo Gambetta, head of the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs for Aurora. “Cities now understand they have a responsibility to reach out to these communities.”
Gambetta cites studies that show integrated immigrants have better chances of graduating and getting jobs. They also are more likely to start small businesses that can produce revenue for a city.
“Also it’s in the best interest of the city if you can reduce any risk for race-related issues or any issue related to public safety,” Gambetta said. “We can be proactive.”
Several Colorado cities have resources — like a welcome center or a liaison — and some have created task forces or committees to look at the issues newcomers face.
Officials in Denver and Aurora say that forming a commission through city charter represents a stronger commitment. Once established by charter, the immigration commissions can only be dissolved by a vote of the people.
“It wasn’t that the administrations didn’t support immigrant integration work in the past, but for once and for all we’re putting it out — front and center — Denver supports immigrants and refugees,” said Jamie Torres, director for Denver’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.
Denver established its commission focused on immigrant and refugee affairs three years ago.
Since then, the group has hosted a listening session where immigrants, refugees and advocates talked about challenges to integration, started a grant program for groups with creative ideas to bring neighborhoods together, and launched a study to learn how difficult it is for people who can’t speak English to access city services such as applying for building permits. The group has also reviewed policy proposals that go to the mayor and city council.
“I rely heavily on the commission,” Torres said. “It’s not always coming through me. They’re speaking for themselves directly to the city council and the mayor.”
Gambetta said he would like Aurora’s commission to also serve as a pipeline of diverse residents engaged in city politics who may eventually serve on other city groups, but wants any plans for their work to come from the members.
Leela Timsina, a former refugee from Bhutan who recently became a U.S. citizen, served on a taskforce for Aurora that helped draft recommendations including the call for an immigrant commission.
“We have to have someone who can look at growth and integration in a sustainable way,” Timsina said. “The incoming flow of immigrant and refugees is continuous. We feel like the city and mayor is building a social bridge.”
Aurora is taking applications from people interested in serving on the city’s first commission for immigrant and refugee affairs. To apply, visit the boards and commissions page at www.auroragov.org.
