IMMIGRANT

© photo credit: nebraska is homeFORWARDFORWARDMany American cities and towns have long been shaped – and reshaped – by people fromacross the globe. Cities like New York and Chicago have a long and rich history ofimmigration that continues today to be a vital economic force. From new businessesopened by immigrant entrepreneurs, to the new ideas, talent, and diverse perspectives thatimmigrants contribute, to the greater cultural vitality that makes a community an attractiveplace to live and work, immigrants have been and continue to be a source of prosperity.“It’s precisely because ofimmigration that we’vegone from a beach townto a global city.”— Alberto Ibargüen, CEO of TheKnight Foundation and formerpublisher of Miami HeraldCommon wisdom has been that people came to places like Chicago, Illinois becausethey were already attractive, successful hubs of economic activity – which is partiallythe case. But what we are also learning is that cities and towns that intentionallydesign themselves to be open and welcoming can actually shape their economicdestinies. In fact, cities that lead in the 21st century will be those that intentionallyattract and incorporate diverse people and ideas, and create the means for talentedpeople from around the world to not only come, but to put down roots. Communitiesacross the world are in a competition to attract the human capital that will allow themto thrive in a global economy. Becoming a more welcoming place for immigrantswill give them a leg up in that competition and help retain talented people of all backgrounds.And for many cities in the midwest and northeast with declining populations,a strategy to attract and retain new taxpayers and families is a matter of survival.Recognizing this economic necessity of our new century, we have seen a growingmovement of communities that are looking to gain a competitive edge by welcomingimmigrants. Cities like Nashville, Tennessee and Dayton, Ohio have discovered thatadopting a more immigrant-friendly approach has been a key driver of their economic growth.Welcoming America is an organization that exists to support communities in gainingthis edge. Our vision is of an inclusive nation, in which all people, includingimmigrants, have the opportunity to reach their greatest potential, engage with theircommunity, and fully contribute their talents – expanding prosperity and well-beingfor all. Since 2009, we have brought together a broad network of non-profitsand local governments from across the U.S. and strengthened their work withthe know-how, tools and incentives to transform their communities.Today, more than 80 communities have initiatives aimed at creating more welcomingpolicy and culture. Among them are 50 Welcoming Cities and Counties - local governmentsthat are advancing local policy change efforts to capitalize on the social andeconomic contributions of immigrants. Recognizing the imperative, the private sectorand civil society are partnering with the public sector to develop innovative strategiesthat make the most of both foreign and U.S.-born talent in local communities. GivenWELCOMING AMERICA | GUIDE TO IMMIGRANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | FORWARD3.