Ulom App’s Post

Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees' is thrilled to release the second installment of our Im/Migration Timeline project! U.S. Intervention and Modern Migration in the Americas delves into the history of U.S. intervention in nations throughout the Western Hemisphere over the course of the past two centuries, and explores how those interventions have impacted the migration flows and patterns we see today. By interacting with this timeline, we hope philanthropy will explore support for cross-border and in-country development, including transnational organizing, economic and social investments, and resourcing diaspora groups in the U.S. and in their home countries. We also aim to highlight the centrality of racial justice to the migration story, and how corporate interests and imperialism have impacted migration. The timeline is broken up into six eras, each of which will provide critical historical context to better understand the current picture of modern migration in the Americas. You can explore the timeline here: https://lnkd.in/esZhGc-R

New Working Paper! Is ethnic segregation driven by native flight or immigrant self-isolation? If the former, which natives avoid immigrants? Which immigrants? What is the geographic scope of homophilic residential preferences? Our new working paper, "Immigrants and Native Flight: Geographic Extent and Heterogeneous Preferences," by Bence Boje-Kovacs, Ismir Mulalic, Albert Saiz, Vinicios Sant'Anna, and Marie Louise Schultz-Nielsen answers these questions. Using comprehensive administrative data for the entire population of Denmark and leveraging the quasi-random nature of refugee placements, we propose a novel Arrival-Stayer Markov Instrumental Variable (ASM-IV) to generate experimental variation regarding local immigrant arrivals. We find strong evidence of native flight, even at the building level. Flight is stronger among the older population and a reaction to the arrival of low-income immigrants. As neighborhoods become more immigrant-dense, housing prices decline, and subsequent move-ins are more likely to be other immigrants or young, low-income native citizens without children. Natives moving out of immigrant-dense neighborhoods tend to move to new homes in areas that are distinctively more "native." Link to the paper: https://lnkd.in/etRUpVqc

Yanina Vysotska is the Intake Program Manager at our Chicago office, where she has been making a difference in her role since March 2023. Yanina is originally from Ukraine, where she earned two master’s degrees. Q: What motivated you to join World Relief? A: As an immigrant myself, I have always felt a strong connection to helping others who are going through similar experiences. I joined World Relief to be part of a team that makes a positive impact in the lives of refugees, immigrants, and vulnerable communities. It's incredibly fulfilling to support them as they navigate their new lives here. Q: What inspires you in your work? A: Hearing the success stories and seeing how our work brings positive change to someone's life inspires me every day. It's rewarding to know that we can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Q: What do you consider a "win" in your role? A: A win for me is when I see someone successfully accessing the resources and support they need, or when they achieve a significant milestone in their journey toward self-sufficiency. Q: What have you learned from working with refugees and other immigrants? A: I've learned that every individual's journey is unique, and the resilience and strength they show in the face of challenges are truly inspiring. It's reinforced the importance of empathy, patience, and understanding in this work. Q: Can you recommend any books or films that have influenced your perspective on refugees and immigrants? A: "The Newcomers" by Helen Thorpe, "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, and the documentary "Human Flow" directed by Ai Weiwei. These works offer insights into the challenges, resilience, and humanity of refugees and immigrants. Q: Do you have a favorite place to unwind? A: My favorite spot to grab a cup of coffee is Portage Grounds. It's a cozy place where I can unwind and enjoy a good cup of coffee.

In a time of such unease and turmoil, I love this inspirational and factual TED Talk about a superpower's superpower (hint: it's immigration). Check it out!

Newfoundland and Labrador invests $260,000 in refugee women's empowerment program Newfoundland and Labrador’s Immigration, Population Growth and Skills Minister Sarah Stoodley announced a significant investment of over $260,000 to support Newbornlander's Sewing Hope initiative, aimed at empowering refugee women through skills development. The two-year program combines sewing training with English language instruction, creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for participants. In partnership with the Northpine Foundation, which contributed an additional $465,000, the initiative is set to run until summer 2025. This investment aligns with the Provincial Government's commitment to supporting newcomer integration and economic growth while addressing key barriers refugee women face in the workforce. The program builds on Newbornlander's seven-year track record of creating sustainable employment opportunities for newcomers.

Newfoundland and Labrador invests $260,000 in refugee women's empowerment program Newfoundland and Labrador’s Immigration, Population Growth and Skills Minister Sarah Stoodley announced a significant investment of over $260,000 to support Newbornlander's Sewing Hope initiative, aimed at empowering refugee women through skills development. The two-year program combines sewing training with English language instruction, creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for participants. In partnership with the Northpine Foundation, which contributed an additional $465,000, the initiative is set to run until summer 2025. This investment aligns with the Provincial Government's commitment to supporting newcomer integration and economic growth while addressing key barriers refugee women face in the workforce. The program builds on Newbornlander's seven-year track record of creating sustainable employment opportunities for newcomers.

As someone who constantly examine concepts and theories, challenging them to discover and implement improved approaches, I am reflecting on this nomination and being a finalist, so please bare with me and I'm sorry for the a bit long post 😅. While the notion of empowerment and its associated initiatives may seem appealing, they often fall short of addressing the essential systemic changes required. To begin with, the very concept of "empowerment" suggests a transfer or bestowal of power from one entity to another, inadvertently perpetuating existing power imbalances and reinforcing the misconception that power must be granted rather than shared equally. Furthermore, by placing emphasis on empowering individuals or communities, there is a risk of diverting attention from the critical need to tackle broader structural and systemic issues that underlie marginalization and disempowerment. In addition to the aforementioned considerations, it is imperative to underscore the significance of altering narratives in effecting genuine progress towards systemic change. The term "empowerment" carries with it a colonial undertone, insinuating that power must be bestowed upon those perceived as lacking it, often by external entities or institutions, a notion that is inherently problematic. The individuals, communities, youth, refugees, and all those we engage with and advocate for inherently possess power and knowledge. The key lies in practicing humility, recognizing this inherent power within ourselves, and embracing a collective responsibility to distribute power, resources, and privileges equally among us. This shift in mindset and practice is essential to cultivate a more inclusive and just society where power is shared rather than imposed. As a finalist, it is crucial for me to acknowledge that this designation does not imply superiority over anyone, especially not over the community to which I belong—the refugee community. Rather, it signifies that I have been afforded this opportunity due to the privilege of my current circumstances. It is essential to recognize this privilege and use it to advocate and take actions to opening doors to refugees and immigrants, sharing resources equitably with them. By embracing inclusivity and distributing resources fairly, we can create a more supportive environment where awards are not just earned but also used to address crucial needs within the community. Moreover, I take immense pride in being nominated by one of the youth I collaborate with. The insights and experiences shared by these young individuals have been invaluable to me, and I continue to learn with and from them. This mutual exchange of knowledge and perspectives underscores the importance of listening to and valuing the contributions of youth in shaping a more inclusive and empathetic society. Thanks to my colleagues and management at World Education Services, the partners, and the youth who are embracing this learning journey with me.

Refugees and immigrants bring incredible talents and drive to their new homes. Take the inspiring story of Freshta Zary, an Afghan refugee in St. Louis, who, despite facing countless challenges, has now become a successful entrepreneur. Stories like hers are happening nationwide every day, proving the vital role immigrants play in revitalizing our communities. Our recent report, “Building Community and Fueling Growth,” highlights how immigrant entrepreneurship is a major driver of economic growth in the Great Lakes region. Key findings include: ▶️ From 2010 to 2022, the number of self-employed immigrants rose by 45.8%, more than six times the rate of U.S.-born counterparts. ▶️ By 2022, immigrants comprised 13% of self-employed individuals and 16.4% of Main Street business owners, despite being just 7.8% of the population. ▶️ Immigrant entrepreneurs generated $9.7 billion for the region’s economy. Read Zary's story here: https://lnkd.in/gTwxQG9E Read our new report here: https://lnkd.in/g6u8EAnk Let’s continue to champion these incredible newcomers! #ImmigrantEntrepreneurs #RefugeeSuccess #EconomicGrowth #UpwardlyGlobal #InclusiveEconomy #MainStreetBusinesses #RevitalizingCommunities #ThrivingCommunities

On #WorldRefugeeDay, we acknowledge the challenges faced by refugees and migrants worldwide. Our Migration: Living Well Together programme, developed in partnership with The Linbury Trust, engaged 29 Fellows in vital work to deepen understanding of migration in the UK. Their efforts culminated in a comprehensive report launched earlier this year, highlighting insights such as enhancing peer support networks, improving access to services for newcomers, and championing lived experience in decision-making. Explore their findings: https://lnkd.in/dxUM2USA

On the tree-lined streets of St. Louis, a groundbreaking initiative is underway to transform a shrinking city by welcoming 2,000 immigrants this year. Amidst a nationwide debate on immigration, cities like St. Louis are embracing international newcomers as a vital solution to labor shortages and reversing decades of population decline in the state. From IT technicians like Ruben Leon, who has found hope and opportunity in his new home, to businesses eager to fill critical roles, this initiative demonstrates the immense potential of integrating immigrants into our workforce. Spearheaded by the International Institute, this initiative showcases how embracing skilled immigrants can rejuvenate economies and transform shrinking cities. With an ambitious goal to attract 15,000 newcomers by 2030, St. Louis is setting a precedent for how proactive immigration strategies can drive positive change. Want to learn more about the importance of immigrants in the workforce? Read more at: https://lnkd.in/g4EvitxH Financial Times Eva Xiao Taylor Nicole Rogers International Institute of St. Louis Arrey Obenson #transformationtuesday