FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 14, 2026
Contact: Joe Edelen (302) 743-7013
The Senate unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Senator Darius Brown on Wednesday to enhance an Office of New Americans in Delaware, advancing the years-long effort to streamline resources that support the well-being and economic success of immigrants throughout the state.
The legislation, Senate Bill 27, builds upon the Meyer Administration’s launch of an Office of New Americans in November and recognizes the vital role that immigrants and refugees have played in Delaware’s economy, workforce, and communities across all three counties.
“By establishing the Office of New Americans, Delaware is reaffirming its commitment to inclusion, economic growth, and opportunity for all residents — regardless of where they were born. As sectors like agriculture, fintech, medicine, and STEM rely on a diverse workforce, this effort will bolster the state’s preparation for our economy of the future,” said Senator Darius Brown. “This legislation is rooted in economic development and social mobility for our immigrant communities. Our public policy needs to reflect the demographics of our state. Together, this bill enshrines into Delaware law a mechanism that will further integrate our immigrant neighbors into the communities and society they call home.”
Over 115,000 foreign-born individuals lived in Delaware as of 2023, representing 11.6% of the state’s population. Immigrants are a crucial part of Delaware’s economic landscape, as immigrant business-owners generated more than $1.1 billion in federal and state tax revenue in 2022.
According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants make up 15.1% of Delaware’s labor force, including 28.2% of STEM workers and 21.1% of the state’s construction workforce. Delaware has a diverse population of foreign-born residents, according to the Migration Policy Institute, which includes immigrants born in Africa (15.4%), Asia (30.4%), Latin American countries (42.3%), and Europe (10.9%).
Housed under the Department of State, Senator Brown envisions an Office of New Americans that will serve as a centralized hub to:
- Assist in coordinating immigration integration efforts across state agencies
- Expand access to English language instruction, workforce development, and employment
- Connect legal services to immigrants seeking to be naturalized
- Improve access to state programs and resources.
The Office will also analyze economic and demographic trends, while advising state lawmakers on how proposed policies, regulations, and laws impact immigrant communities throughout the state.
Further, Senate Bill 27 creates an Advisory Committee to the Office of New Americans composed of cabinet secretaries, community organizations, members of the public, and representatives from higher education and refugee resettlement agencies. The committee will advise the Governor, Department of State, and Office leadership on policies and regulations that attract, retain, and integrate immigrants into society.
Senate Bill 27 was amended from the Senate floor to include a three-year sunset provision prior to its unanimous passage. It now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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