Integration Challenges and Opportunities in the Economic Development and Refugee Resettlement Arenas

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