Human Stories, Global Journeys:
Responding to Colorado’s New Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Global Insights = Local Results Speaker Series
Panelists: Melissa Burton; Andrea Loya; Wesley Brockway; and Jaime Koehler Blanchard
Moderator: James Walsh
Date: Thursday, January 25th 2024
Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm; Panel starts at 6:30pm
Location: Posner Center Commons Event Space 1031 33rd St. Denver, Colorado 80205
Panelists:
Melissa Burton, J.D.
Immigration Policy Analyst – Denver Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs
Wesley Brockway
Legal Services Director with the International Refugee Committee
Andrea Loya
Executive Director of Casa De Paz
Jaime Koehler Blanchard
Refugee Resettlement Program Director at Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains
Moderator
James Walsh is a senior instructor of political science at the University of Colorado at Denver
Expertise Areas: Labor and Immigration History/Politics, Social Movements in the U.S., Irish-American History, Community Theater, Community Organizing
Event Details
Agenda
5:30: Doors open, networking, drinks, food
6:25: A few short words from YPC
6:30: Have panelists introduce themselves and give a 2-3 minute blurb on how they see the future of refugees and asylum seekers either in Colorado or globally
6:45: The moderator will start the discussion about defining refugees and asylum seekers, what is driving people to the US and Colorado now, current Colorado laws and policies, and what we can learn from international programs.
7:15: Q&A
7:45-8pm latest: Wrap up panel discussion
8:00: Mingle and start cleaning up
8:30: Event ends
Info About Discussion
Across the United States, the Refugee Crisis has impacted cities, politics, and asylum rates. Major metropolitan areas of New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Denver, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles have seen their refugee rates climb rapidly; straining support systems. Over 50,000 refugees and migrants have been transported out of regional border states, like Texas, and spread across the United States.
Refugee crises are not new. Every region of the globe faces similar struggles in helping refugee populations while maintaining support systems. More damning, refugees have been used as political fodder and for extracting political leverage. This has occurred in the United States, and in other countries, like Turkey, Morocco, and Syria.
This panel seeks to answer the following questions: What is driving the Refugee Crisis in the United States? Why are migrants transiting regional borders? How does Texas transit refugees through border regions? How can policymakers and the public help refugees and migrants coming into Colorado? Finally, is there a case study for this internationally?
Info About Partners and Catering
The German American Chamber of Commerce – Colorado Chapter promotes German trade with Colorado by developing community through professional and cultural programs.
The International Refugee Committee in Denver – Provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America.
Ruby’s Market – A multi-cultural artisan and food destination, incubating refugee & immigrant entrepreneurs and supporting local businesses.
