Everything Under The Sun: Welcoming Immigrants And Refugees

Members of ESL 3rd Level class hold certificates of completion.

A considerable amount of political vitriol becomes visited upon new immigrants and refugees. It's bound to cause those who have come to the US seeking respite and safety to wonder if they have made a huge mistake. But not everyone is like that; many who were born in the US are willing to sweep the dust off our welcome mat and find a way to make sure that new arrivals feel the welcome they so deserve.

Aurora, Colorado, has an official welcome organization for those who have recently arrived in the US, AURORA WELCOME CENTER. Because our culture is so different from that which many immigrants may have experienced in their country of origin, the Center offers intentional integration of immigrants and refugees into the community. The Center does this by providing access to needed services, a sense of belonging and safety, and helping immigrants to become change agents in their new country.

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One of the programs provides free access to PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE to non-native English speakers at Emily Griffith Technical College. Classes meet for 10 hours per week, either day or evening, and helps immigrants to improve their scores on college entrance tests. Once they graduate the program, student become eligible for $750 grants towards certificates in career and technical programs.

Another opportunity is a PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP sponsored by The Colorado Photographic Arts Center and Picture Me Here. The workshop occurred over a three-day period, June 22-24, and was a way for participants to share their stories through visual media. At the end of the workshop, participants, family members and community members came together to experience the various banners, flags, and kites flying through the air that were made by participants. The art objects will become part of an exhibit this coming January at the McNichols building. Included will be videos documenting the workshop and the participants' stories.

One of the other programs includes ESL classes through a partnership with Focus Points. Since a majority of citizens do speak English and most business is transacted in English, these classes become vital entry points into US life, with the caveat that these days, many communications now come in more than one language, in recognition of the fact that not everyone learns English.

Opportunities to obtain job training are also open to refugees and immigrants.

Sagrario Lopez, who comes from Hidalgo, Mexico, wrote an ESSAY as an assignment for her ESL 3rd Level class. She commented about her journey, "I came to U.S.A. 13 years ago with my husband. We were looking for a better life. My first years here were difficult because I did not speak English. Now I am glad because I have two children, one boy and one girl, and I am very happy. Now our lives are better because I understand more English and I can go to different places with my family." However, she does miss her family back in Mexico, along with the food, and hopes to go back there one day. Sagrario's comments about her experience do illustrate how the assistance of organizations help immigrant families adjust to our country.