In the News
After Serving U.S. in Wartime, Iraqi Immigrant Finds New Purpose in Madison
Saif Al Saedi grew up in a family of seven children in Baghdad. He was 16 years old when U.S. forces invaded the capital city and 17 when, in 2004, he got a job providing security for U.S. troops in Ramadi, the focus of Al Qaeda activity at the time. Read More
Lincoln Journal Star Opinion: Immigrants help Crete economy thrive
Believe it or not, Crete — population 7,059 — is a leading example of how Nebraska is creating thriving, diverse communities and embracing newcomers. In 2016, Crete City Administrator Tom Ourada created the job position that I currently hold: community assistance director. He’d attended the National Immigrant Integration Conference and… Read More
Savannah Morning News Letters: Immigrant workers vital to Savannah
Savannah is a tourists’ dream destination. Being able to stroll through the Historic District (cocktail in hand) and sample the award-winning local cuisine makes this the perfect weekend escape. I should know. I’ve spent seven years in the hospitality industry, and visitors are constantly raving to me about our famed… Read More
Lancaster Online: Refugees, immigrants vital to local economy
Last week’s Sunday LNP did a nice job laying out the tension surrounding the issue of immigration and refugee resettlement and, more specifically, demonstrating its local impact on both people and organizations like Church World Service. The very next day, that tension escalated when the Trump administration announced that it… Read More
Fox 23 News: New plan to welcome immigrants to Tulsa
TULSA, Okla. – The City of Tulsa is unveiling a new plan to welcome immigrants to the area. Mayor G.T. Bynum announced the meeting to unveil the plan and what it entails Thursday morning at the Martin Regional Library. Watch the video on the Fox 23 New Website. Read More
WCPO Cincinnati: Surprise: New study ranks Cincinnati one of nation’s most immigrant-friendly cities
CINCINNATI — Believe it or not, Cincinnati is among the 20 most immigrant-friendly big cities in the U.S. That’s according to a new index that measures the impact immigrants are having on the nation’s largest cities and how effectively they are integrating. Released this morning by New York-based … Read More
The Dallas Morning News: Think Dallas is immigrant-friendly? It has room to grow, according to a new analysis
Immigrants in Dallas are steadily employed and play a strong role in the city’s entrepreneurship landscape, but their quality of life, trust in law enforcement and civic participation levels lag those of the U.S.-born population, according to a new analysis. The Cities Index analyzed the inclusiveness of city policies and socio-economic outcomes… Read More
After a Career in Computer Science, Cambodian Immigrant Focuses on Community
In 1978, after receiving a computer science degree from American University in Washington, D.C., Pasin Chanou knew that he could not return to his native Cambodia. Three years earlier, the Khmer Rouge had brutally gained power and threatened his family’s gemstone business. His parents feared for their lives and fled… Read More
Grand Rapids Business Journal: Report documents immigrant contributions
Grand Rapids community leaders agreed making immigrants feel like they belong in Kent County not only is right but is economically smart. Foreign-born residents of Kent County contributed $3.3 billion to the county’s GDP in 2016, according to a report presented Sept. 12 by the local Gateways for Growth Project,… Read More
Portland Press Herald: Report touts immigrants’ economic contributions to Greater Portland
A new report highlights the growing importance of immigrants in Greater Portland’s economy. Foreign-born residents accounted for 75 percent of the population growth in the Portland-South Portland region from 2011 to 2016, according to the report, which was prepared by the group New American Economy and released Friday. Read More
All gifts are matched dollar for dollar
No one should face the immigration system alone