Groups Release Report to Address Professional Barriers for Immigrants

Posted Jan. 23, 2025

Juntos Community published an advocacy report last week to address professional barriers for Colorado’s immigrants in order to boost the state’s economy and provide Colorado immigrants with a pathway to upward economic mobility.

The report titled “Strengthening Colorado’s Workforce: Addressing Barriers and Creating Professional Pathways for Immigrant Talent” (available in English and Spanish here) is the culmination of surveys and interviews with hundreds of immigrants and refugees across Colorado, and conversations with dozens of Colorado institutions. It outlines six key recommendations to enhance career mobility with actionable steps for policymakers, higher education, government agencies, nonprofits, and employers.

“In a time when our country’s newly elected leaders continue to scapegoat and place blame on immigrants, the release of this workforce report could not be more timely”, stated Luis Antezana, Founder & CEO of Juntos Community. “This report not only shines a light on the systemic barriers that prevent undocumented immigrants in Colorado from accessing a living wage but also highlights actionable solutions for how our community can come together to overcome these challenges. Our immigrant population—comprised of children, students, entrepreneurs, and hardworking members of our workforce—is a cornerstone of Colorado’s economic and social resilience. By building an inclusive environment in our great state, we can ensure that Colorado thrives both economically and socially, proving that uplifting all Coloradans benefits us all.”

Karina Hernández, Advocacy Research Contractor with Juntos Community added, “Across Colorado and beyond, we are witnessing how labor movements and immigration justice efforts are being undermined by the widespread use of misinformation. This advocacy report presents peer-reviewed, comprehensive insights into the current challenges faced by undocumented communities, as well as the ongoing work required to ensure that every Coloradan has the opportunity to live a healthy, prosperous life.”

For Juntos Community, the barriers facing immigrants do not apply just to newcomers, but also undocumented immigrants who have grown up in our state and called Colorado home for decades. “While there has been a significant amount of support for undocumented students over the past few years, navigating the professional journey remains incredibly difficult and confusing”, shared Karen Nuñez Sifuentes, a program consultant and researcher, who has worked closely with Juntos Community & Convivir Colorado. “The lack of clear information about available opportunities is discouraging and frustrating, especially given the laws passed in our state that were designed to improve access to professional licenses.”

Monica Andrade, Director of State Policy and Legal Strategy with the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration shared that, “Education institutions hold a unique position to lead the way and make meaningful changes in addressing the challenges outlined in the report. Immigrants in Colorado contribute valuable skills, innovation, and leadership potential, yet these professional barriers prevent them from fully contributing to their communities and the economy. Addressing these obstacles is not just a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.”

“While Denver has done an amazing job providing legal workshops to support newcomers to apply for parole and TPS and obtain a work permit, their efforts are at risk of being undermined by the incoming presidential administration”, said Josh Stallings, Program Manager of Advocacy for Juntos Community. “The City of Denver and State of Colorado need to create a more resilient workforce by supporting policies and programs that encourage entrepreneurship and protect independent contractors, so that our immigrant community -newcomer and long-established – will still be able to thrive even if the federal government attempts to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protective Status (TPS) and strip community members of their livelihood.”

For more information, visit our website juntoscommunity.org.