WTTW/Chicago PBS’ Post

Refugees and immigrants across the U.S. are playing a vital role in reviving local economies and significantly contributing to tax revenue. In Pennsylvania alone, the immigrant community generated over $1.7 billion in revenue and increased spending power by $24 billion in 2019. With Pennsylvania becoming one of the states with a rapidly growing refugee population, it's clear that more needs to be done to support these communities. Despite this growth, PA still lacks an Office of New Americans. Yesterday, I had the honor of representing Refugee Civic Action alongside many fellow refugee leaders at an advocacy event organized by Church World Service in the PA Capitol. We lobbied for bipartisan support of HB 1630, which would establish an office dedicated to addressing the unique needs of refugees and new Americans. This is a crucial step toward ensuring more effective support and resources for these communities. #ImmigrantImpact #RefugeesWelcome #EconomicImpact #DiversityAndInclusion #ImmigrationReform

Resource Spotlight: Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC) For immigrants and refugees in Illinois, navigating systems in a new country can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re highlighting the Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC), which is a resource providing holistic support to immigrant and refugee communities across the state. 𝗜𝗪𝗖 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗼𝗻𝗲-𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: 1. Case Management: Tailored, comprehensive guidance to connect you with essential services. 2. Employment Services: Support in job searches and workforce development. 3. Vocational Training: Helping individuals gain the skills they need to thrive. 4. IWC provides services to immigrants and refugees in a linguistically, culturally sensitive manner in Illinois. If you know someone who could benefit from this resource, please share this post. 𝗜𝗪𝗖 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://lnkd.in/ggX-ZY32  #CIMH #CoalitionforImmigrantMentalHealth #IllinoisServices #CaseManagement #ResourceSpotlight

Children's safety is one of the most important responsibilities we have. Many families leave everything behind, crossing borders to create a better, safer future for their kids. These children, given the chance, can grow up to become doctors, lawyers, and so much more. The hard-fought battle that asylum seekers face to come to the U.S. isn’t just about survival—it’s about hope for a brighter future. Wouldn’t you do the same for your children if it meant giving them a better life? The struggles these families endure deserve our understanding and respect as they work toward a new beginning. #childsafety #asylumseekers #immigrationjourney #betterfuture #familyprotection #hopeforabetterlife #usimmigration #immigrantstories #immigrantfamilies #opportunityforall #kidsfuture #americanopportunity #hardfoughtbattle #futureleaders #familyfirst

Schools are more than just educational institutions; they are vital support networks for migrant families. In this new article by ReROOT Project's Cornelia Tippel and Heike Hanhörster, discover how street-level bureaucrats in schools are shaping newcomers' access to resources and fostering inclusion. #Education #Migration #Integration #Arrival #OpenAccess https://lnkd.in/e68DnfxD

Where is the arrival infrastructure? Who are the people infrastructuring migration and arrival? My ReROOT Project colleagues just published an #open #access article about the role of primary schools in the inclusion of newcomers. Give it a read!

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Immigration, Population Growth and Skills Minister Sarah Stoodley announced a significant investmentof over $260,000 to support Newbornlander's Sewing Hope initiative, aimed at empowering refugee women through skills development. #newfoundlandandlabrador #nl #refugeewomen #womenempowerment #workforceintegration #economicgrowth #jobsincanada #canadaimmigrationnews

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Immigration, Population Growth and Skills Minister Sarah Stoodley announced a significant investmentof over $260,000 to support Newbornlander's Sewing Hope initiative, aimed at empowering refugee women through skills development. #newfoundlandandlabrador #nl #refugeewomen #womenempowerment #workforceintegration #economicgrowth #jobsincanada #canadaimmigrationnews

In 2022, we helped advocate for legislation that required the U.S. Department of Labor to study the barriers that immigrant and refugee professionals face in obtaining skill-aligned employment within the U.S. workforce. Today, the Bridging the Gap for New American study has been released! It delves into the factors affecting employment opportunities for immigrant and refugee professionals and highlights opportunities and policy recommendations to improve their economic inclusion. Read the study here: https://bit.ly/4aIWWAv #BridgingTheGap #immigrantinclusion #economicinclusion #equitableworkforce

Exciting news for Central Iowa! By the end of the year, Des Moines will open its doors to Global Neighbors, a center dedicated to supporting immigrants and refugees. This one-stop hub will connect individuals to essential services like employment, housing, and educational opportunities, helping build a stronger, more inclusive community. Learn more at: https://loom.ly/sE53Zy8 #EconomicOpportunity #WorkforceHousing #Education #CommunityConnections #DSMUSA

As HIAS posted earlier this week, “scapegoating immigrants for political gain is shameful.” It’s more than shameful. It’s downright dangerous. And ironically, the data shows that immigrants are the life blood of our economy. How and why do tensions arise between newcomers and established residents, and how can we proactively address and alleviate these anxieties before they escalate? Join Alight this Thursday for a frank discussion with a panel of experts who will help us navigate this dilemma. Register: https://bit.ly/4dOzGSH