NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: We are publishing this article because it shows what other cities in the US are doing to find ways to help integrate immigrants into their communities.
Aurora, Colorado, to launch immigrant integration plan
Strategies geared to help international residents better engage in community
SOURCE: City of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs
AURORA, Colorado, Sept. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The city of Aurora has increased its commitment in recent years to include the city’s international community in civic and public life through such efforts as its International Roundtable, the Aurora Immigrant and Refugee Task Force, Global Fest, the Aurora Welcome Center and the reestablished Aurora Sister Cities International.
But a three-year comprehensive plan to be executed by the city’s new Office of International and Immigrant Affairs is designed to hone Aurora’s immigrant and refugee efforts toward the single goal of integrating these residents into the community.
Officials with local organizations, service providers and the city of Aurora—along with representatives of Aurora’s international community—will hear details of this plan during upcoming meetings.
To craft the plan’s strategies and priorities, the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs worked with the Ponce Agency to gather public input from service providers, immigrant and refugee leaders and community advocates. The plan is designed to align the city’s efforts with organizations and service providers, and create opportunities for immigrants and refugees to develop leadership skills and help make decisions in local government.
“It’s our hope that our efforts will remove obstacles and help our immigrants and refugees fully engage in the community and contribute all that they can to making Aurora a great place for everyone,” said Ricardo Gambetta, head of the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs.
The plan touches on civic engagement, public safety, language acquisition, neighborhoods and city services, economic and financial growth, economic development, sports and recreation, arts and culture, and health and wellness.
“Our international community has come to Aurora because of our comfortable way of life, excellent housing values and access to great schools and job opportunities,” Mayor Steve Hogan said. “This plan will create opportunities for these residents to become an integral part of Aurora’s civic, economic and cultural life.”
About the city of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs
The Office of International and Immigrant Affairs was created to facilitate the successful integration of immigrants and refugees into Aurora’s civic, economic and cultural life, and to oversee the development and implementation of a citywide plan regarding policy programs and initiatives toward the local immigrant and refugee populations. This office will oversee the coordination of the Aurora Immigrant and Refugee Commission, Aurora International Roundtable, Aurora Global Fest and the Aurora International Cabinet. In addition, the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs will lead international efforts focused in the establishment of strategic global partnerships, manage official protocol activities and events, and serve as a liaison to the international community.