Integration Challenges and Opportunities in the Economic Development and Refugee Resettlement Arenas
Part of a series exploring recommendations likely to be addressed by the new National Integration Plan, this webinar, with perspectives from MPI, the WE Global Network, and Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Services, examines the role of economic development initiatives and refugee resettlement programs/infrastructure in immigrant integration.
This webinar will address two distinct, significant areas—economic development and refugee resettlement—that were a focus of robust discussion in recommendations submitted by a number of leading organizations and networks to the White House Task Force on New Americans. In the case of economic development, issues and actions related to programs and initiatives of the Departments of Commerce, Housing, and Urban Development and Treasury, among others, were put forth by groups seeking to unleash the entrepreneurial energy of immigrants and refugees and maximize their ability to contribute to economic growth. And given the deep engagement of private groups and state governments in resettling refugees, it is not surprising that extensive input was provided to the task force on ways to better support the integration of refugees and lessons and infrastructure from the refugee resettlement that might be adapted to aid in the integration of immigrants. This discussion will treat the two topics separately while also noting important areas of overlap.
For more information on the other webinars in the series:
- March 5 (3:00 to 4:00 pm) Adult Education, English and Skills Training: Opportunities for Action and Investment in the Most Vital Integration Services
- March 18 (3:00 to 4:00 pm) Cross-Cutting Needs and Opportunities: Language Access, Funding, Multi-Level Partnerships, and Planning for the Long Term
Speakers:
Margie McHugh, Director, National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy, MPI
Annie Wilson, Chief Strategy Officer, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
Steve Tobocman, Director, Global Detroit, WE Global Network
About the White House Task Force on New Americans project
Drawing on a strong body of work, NCIIP submitted recommendations covering language access, integration, early childhood education, K-12 education, and adult education and workforce development for the White House Task Force on New Americans relaunched in 2023.
About the National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy
The Center is a national hub connecting policymakers, educators, community leaders, and service providers with evidence-informed policy research, technical assistance, and data to advance effective immigrant integration at U.S., state, and local levels.
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