Refugees in Colorado: How many are here, and where do they come from?

In 2010, Colorado welcomed 2,367 refugees from around the world. That's more than in 2009, when 2,157 refugees were resettled here, but fewer than in 1980, when 4,200 refugees made Colorado their new home. So where do these refugees come from -- and why? As explained in the cover story...

By Melanie Asmar

January 18, 2012

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In 2010, Colorado welcomed 2,367 refugees from around the world. That's more than in 2009, when 2,157 refugees were resettled here, but fewer than in 1980, when 4,200 refugees made Colorado their new home. So where do these refugees come from -- and why?

As explained in the cover story "A World Away," refugees are escaping persecution in their home countries.

Below, find a chart showing the home countries of Colorado's refugees over the last three decades. Click the button on the far left to see it in full-screen mode.

Refugees-Asylees-Secondaries in Colorado FY 1980-2010

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Melanie Asmar is a staff writer for Westword. She joined the paper in 2009 and has won awards for her stories about education, immigration and epic legal battles. Got a tip? She'd love to hear it.

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