Fewer immigrants will cost some nonprofit workers their jobs

DENVER -- Fewer refugees will be coming into the United States and Colorado under President Donald Trump’s latest immigration orders.

Rebecca Burris, spokesperson for Lutheran Family Services, said 85,000 immigrants were allowed into the country in 2016, they were expecting 110,000 in 2017, but that amount has been cut to 50,000 by President Trump.

The reduction in immigrants into Colorado will directly impact the staffing needs for Lutheran Family Services and some will be losing their jobs Burris said.

“Because of that reduction, unfortunately we will also have to reduce part of our work force because we just won't have the refugees coming in and the clients able to serve,” she said.

Lutheran Family Services have offices in Greeley/Fort Morgan, Denver, Colorado Springs and Albuquerque, N.M.

All four offices will sustain staffing cuts Burris said.

The last time there was a big reduction in immigrants was after 9/11 and the numbers were increased thereafter.

Burris isn’t confident the 50,000 allowed to come into the U.S. will grow any time soon.