Office of Community Support

1) What is immigrant integration?

• Integration is an intentional two-way process of adaptation between arriving and receiving communities, which is non-linear as it develops along multiple pathways at varying speeds. 
• Integration focuses on strengthening community assets rather than scrutinizing individual status. 

2) What are various pathways to integration?

• Pathways to integration include language acquisition, education, economic mobility, family support, civic participation and citizenship, equal treatment and opportunity, health access, cultural and social interaction, community planning and advocacy, and neighborhood building.

3) Why does integration matter in Denver?

• Integration matters because Colorado has become a preferred destination for immigrants and refugees. These newcomers, who come from countries around the world, represent the widest possible range of ethnic groups, religious beliefs, education levels and employment histories.  They bring change to communities and, at times, pose challenges for municipal leaders. 
• Integration matters so that we can all live in a healthy community that creates a sense of belonging for everyone, and that creates opportunities for all to improve their lives.

4) What factors make Denver unique?

• Denver is unique because of its geographic size, its demographic and neighborhood diversity, and its centrality in legislative and public opinion debates concerning immigration.
• Denver is unique because no single organization can provide access to or has the trust from all of the voices that need to be at the table to develop a comprehensive integration plan.