Colorado is not alone as the U.S. overall has seen fewer refugees settling in the country. For two consecutive years, the number of refugees coming to Colorado has been dropping and the same is projected for this year.
Livia Espada, human resources director for Le Meridien Hotel in downtown Denver, was looking to fill 20 positions last month and has had few American applicants.
Espada had been able to tap the city's Ethiopian Community Development Council African Community Center for refugees in the past, but they are no longer there. "It's been extremely difficult to find candidates, applicants and then to be able to hire--and most importantly--have their commitment to their job," Espada said.