Migrants from Africa represent a small percentage of the people crossing the U.S. border, but their numbers have been rising. Last year, the Denver metro area saw a significant increase of immigrants and refugees from Africa, and many are still coming.
The African Leadership Group is guiding them as they adjust to life in Colorado.
“We are teaching them how to be the best citizen they can be while they’re here,” explained Papa Dia, the organization’s founder. “They’re willing to take this chance because where they came from there is nothing.”
Dia is helping Africans who left their countries to escape war, persecution and poverty.
Thousands have flown to Central America, navigated rivers and braved jungles to reach our border.
Last year, about 1,000 landed in Colorado.
Dia says they’ve filed for political asylum, but applications can sometimes take years to process.
Refugee status is needed for many to take advantage of available resources.