Business and the Workforce
Immigrants not only bring diverse skills and perspectives to the U.S. workforce, they often fill employment gaps in crucial fields. We advocate for expanded work visas and related programs so our labor force can continue to benefit from immigrant workers and remain competitive in the global economy
Bhutanese Refugee Becomes Serial Entrepreneur in Saint Paul
Tilak PokwalOwner of Groceries & Nepali Kitchen When Tilak Pokwal was 14 years old, his Nepali family fled their home in Bhutan amidst a wave of ethnic cleansing. Tilak spent the next 18 years in a refugee camp in Nepal, leaving only to get a college education in… Read More
Statement from NAE Executive Director Jeremy Robbins on Immigration Provisions of House Reconciliation Bill
“The House reconciliation bill would take many important steps to make our broken immigration system more fair, more efficient, and a better driver of economic growth, including a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, essential workers, and TPS and DED holders, along with important provisions to recapture unused visas and… Read More
Congolese Immigrant and Entrepreneur “Sews” Hope in Washtenaw County
Esperance MalongaOwner of U4Hope In 2011, at 34, Esperance Malonga was granted an American diversity visa. It was the fifth time she’d entered the lottery. “When I won, it felt like a dream come true,” said the Congolese native. “I’ve always wanted to raise a family and maybe… Read More
Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021
This fact sheet provides an overview about the legalization program through which certain undocumented farmworkers in the United States could earn legal status. Read More
Statement from NAE Executive Director on Senate’s Budget Resolution
Following Senate Democrats unveiling their budget framework, New American Economy issued the following statement: “Throughout the course of the pandemic, Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers and other essential workers have been a lifeline — caring for the sick, keeping our food supply chain in tact, and taking on… Read More
Lebanese Chef Starts Popular Restaurant and Hookah Lounge in Columbus
Tarek AlbastOwner, Mr. Hummus Grill Tarek Albast, the owner of Mr. Hummus Grill, began his career in the food industry as a teen chef in Lebanon. By age 15, he was serving as head chef and managing 22 people in a local restaurant. However, his 14-hour workdays netted… Read More
Argentinian Exchange Student Turned Communications Entrepreneur in Columbus
Natasha PongonisFounder, Nativa Natasha Pongonis came to the U.S. as an exchange student attending the Ohio State University. A native Argentinian, she envisioned a brief stay in Ohio and then a post-college life pursuing an architecture career in Europe. But fate had other plans. At OSU she fell… Read More
Nigerian Reporter Starts Publication to Highlight Immigrant Community in Columbus
Deba UwadiaeEditor-in-Chief, New Americans Magazine In 2010, Deba Uwadiae, his wife and three children were selected to receive visas through the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery, allowing them to move from their native Nigeria to Columbus, Ohio. Their transition wasn’t easy. In Nigeria, Deba had risen from political… Read More
First-Generation American Champions Opportunities in Columbus
Antoinette WilsonCEO, Triumph Communications As a first-generation American growing up in Toledo, Ohio, Antoinette Wilson watched her parents make a tangible difference in their community. Her father was a pediatric physician from the Philippines. Her mother was a pediatric nurse from Panama. Over three decades, the family helped over 30,000 patients at their practice. “Every time… Read More
New American Economy Statement on the Introduction of the Let Immigrants Kickstart Employment (LIKE) Act
Following Rep. Zoe Lofgren’s (D-CA) introduction of a new bill, New American Economy issued the following statement: “Immigrants are more likely to start a business than the rest of the population, making them essential job creators and a crucial piece of a successful U.S. economy,” said Executive Director… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
