Delaware Launches Office of New Americans to Support Immigrant Communities
Wilmington, Del. – Governor Matt Meyer today announced the official launch of the Delaware Office of New Americans, a state initiative designed to provide comprehensive support services to the state’s growing immigrant population.
The new office, housed within the Department of State, will focus on facilitating immigrant integration through citizenship support, workforce development programs, language access resources, and opportunities for civic engagement. It will also collaborate with existing community organizations and state programs to streamline access to vital services. “When immigrants arrive in Delaware, they don’t just add to our population—they strengthen our neighborhoods, enrich our culture, and build businesses that benefit all Delawareans,” Governor Meyer said. This initiative arrives as Delaware, like many states, faces evolving demographic shifts and a growing need for inclusive support systems.
Rony Baltazar-Lopez, formerly the Director of Policy and Communications for the Department of State, has been appointed as the inaugural director of the Office of New Americans, beginning his role today, November 3, 2025. “As the son of immigrants, I am deeply honored to lead the establishment of the Office of New Americans,” Baltazar-Lopez stated. “This new office will ensure that immigrants have access to the resources, opportunities, and tools—such as workforce development and language access—needed to successfully build their lives in Delaware and across the United States.” Delaware now joins approximately half of U.S. states with similar offices, reflecting a national trend toward dedicated immigrant support. For more information on immigration policy, visit the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
State data indicates that immigrants comprise 11.5 percent of Delaware’s population – nearly 118,000 people – contributing approximately $1.4 billion to the state’s economy annually, with roughly 79,000 immigrants actively participating in the workforce, including around 6,900 entrepreneurs. The Office of New Americans will also coordinate with the Delaware Department of Justice’s Office of Immigration Assistance. In the coming months, the office will embark on a statewide listening tour to gather feedback from immigrant communities and the organizations that serve them.
