Immigration

We have been here maybe the last 30 years and we are here maybe because of civil war. We want to be a part of this society but we have obstacles and barriers such as language, culture, education and health. Any of the problems that native Americans talk about are going to be double or triple for us. I am from Somalia and have been here for the last 10 years. I became a citizen four years ago. I am trying to raise the concerns of my community but I do not know where to go. Many people in my community do not have access to any services. My community needs support. My first concern is education, especially for the children who are behind.The children are placed in grades based on their age, not their level. With language and cultural barriers, how can our kids be taught effectively? Read More >

I know a man who arrived in the U.S. from Mexico as an infant. He was raised in New Mexico and moved to Colorado as an adult. He has two children and had a good job. Unbeknownst to his wife, he was undocumented. The authorities found out that he was not legal. He was immediately deported to Mexico two months before his daughter graduated from high school. He had no family in Mexico. His wife gave up her nursing job and tried to join him in Mexico but it was too difficult on their family. All their money went to legal fees. This is happening to a lot of people.

At my church I did three counseling sessions with a young couple who wanted to get married. They were undocumented. The man has worked for the same company in Alamosa for 11 years and the woman has been here 4 years. When the couple went to get their marriage license, they were turned away because they did not have driver’s licenses.

I have a lot of second language learners in my classroom, mostly Mexican immigrants who come with their families who are here for seasonal work. At least a third of my students are second language learners. They are great kids. There is a big push to graduate these kids. Every year I pick out one kid who I want to help. I will do whatever it takes to make sure this kid gets through the system. I also think teachers in the schools have an opportunity and a responsibility to have a personal effect on people’s lives. Read More >

Denver Health does a lot of care for people who are undocumented. However, we have to do it in accordance with federal law, which means that people don't come to see us until they are near death. Today a woman came in short of breath and in grave danger because she can’t get dialysis because she is undocumented. This is a condition that we could treat and control. But instead, she will probably spend three days in intensive care.