TACKLING RUMORS AND UNTRUTHS TARGETING HUMANITY

CO-TRUTH is a coalition of organizations, businesses, and municipalities dedicated to combatting misinformation related to Colorado’s immigrant community. We collaborate with leaders at all levels-state, local, nonprofit, and business-to provide accurate, reliable information on key issues and highlight immigrants’ vital contributions to our state.

CO-TRUTH provides trusted evidence that illuminates the invaluable contributions of immigrants in Colorado through storytelling.—

How We Support

Informed Messaging

Equipping community leaders with fact-based insights on immigrants’ contributions to Colorado’s workforce, tax base, and our greater communities.

Coalition Building

Continuing to expand the coalition’s reach by engaging with stakeholders statewide to build support for Colorado’s communities and immigrants.

Myth Busting

Sharing accurate data and compelling stories to dispel misconceptions, support the mission, and engage the public.

Join the Coalition

Interested in joining the CO-TRUTH Coalition? Please complete the form linked below.

The Facts

Economics and Taxes: Immigrants Are Partners in Colorado’s Success

    • Immigrants are a vital part of Colorado’s economy, contributing millions to state and local taxes, generating economic growth, and strengthening public services.

    • Immigrants play a particularly important role in entrepreneurship in the United States—founding businesses at far higher rates than the U.S. population overall.

    • Undocumented immigrants paid $436.5 million in taxes in 2022 alone, which helps fund critical programs like education, Social Security, public safety, and infrastructure. These contributions are essential for Colorado’s public services.

    • Because undocumented immigrants don’t qualify for things like the Social Security and the Child Tax Credit, they often pay more in taxes than similarly situated American citizens. This means they contribute billions to safety nets they cannot access, benefiting other Coloradans.

    • Across 39 states, including Colorado, undocumented immigrants consistently pay higher state and local tax rates than the top 1% of income earners. Immigrants are not "takers" – they help drive our economy.

    • Immigrants fill essential roles in Colorado’s workforce, especially in vital sectors like agriculture, construction, and healthcare 

    • One in eight workers in Colorado is an immigrant together making up an important part of the state’s labor force across industries

    • Their labor helps alleviate chronic shortages and strengthens industries, adding billions to the state’s economic output

    • WorkReady Denver, a component of the Denver Asylum Seeker Program (DASP), aims to build a pipeline of talented newcomers into jobs by providing individuals who are on a path to work authorization with the opportunity to connect to education, training, and employment opportunities

    • Newcomers bring diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences that enhance creativity and problem-solving in the workplace. This diversity not only helps businesses meet their staffing needs but also fosters innovation, making our community’s economy more competitive and vibrant

The Truth About Mass Deportation: More Hate than Help

    • Mass deportation would devastate our state and local economies. For every 1 million immigrants deported, the U.S. would lose $8.9 billion in tax revenue annually, a cost Colorado cannot bear. 

    • Immigrants generate 10%—or $49.1 billion—of the state's economic output. Coloradans cannot afford to lose these numbers, especially in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and construction, which rely heavily on immigrant labor. 

    • Undocumented workers often pay more in taxes than similarly situated U.S. citizens because they are excluded from important tax credits like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Despite these barriers, they continue to contribute significantly to public funds. 

    • Across 39 states, including Colorado, undocumented immigrants consistently pay higher state and local tax rates than the top 1% of income earners. Immigrants are not "takers" – they help drive our economy. 

    • Mass deportation would require extensive law enforcement resources that don’t exist. This plan is unrealistic, fear-driven, and detached from operational reality.  

    • President Trump’s proposal to use outdated laws like the Alien Enemies Act for deportation is alarming and sets a dangerous precedent. This approach ignores the legal protections developed over decades. 

    • The negative rhetoric surrounding Operation Aurora fosters fear, divides communities, and tarnishes public trust in Welcoming Cities like Colorado, undermining efforts to build inclusive communities. 

Welcoming Cities: Debunking the Sanctuary City Myth

    • Welcoming Cities are not sanctuary cities because there is no legal definition for the term. 

    • Welcoming Cities have adopted policies that comply with federal law, promote safety, and create trust between immigrants and law enforcement. ICE can still conduct its federal enforcement actions in the state. 

    • Welcoming Cities don’t require immigrants to disclose their immigration status, creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive city for all. 

    • Colorado remains focused on public safety. Welcoming City policies aim to protect all residents by directing resources toward crime prevention rather than immigration enforcement.  

    • When immigrants feel safe talking to law enforcement, trust is built. This trust is essential for real-time, factual crime reporting, which aids in keeping dangerous criminals off the streets, and improving safety for all Coloradans. 

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