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The Immigrant Welcome Center released an immigrant integration plan this week.
It details six key areas for successful integration -- employment and economic development, public safety, education, health and wellness, social services, and civic and community engagement.
Executive Director Terri Downs says it’s on community leaders to make this happen.
“....How we as leaders in business, nonprofit, the faith community can come together to be more welcoming to immigrants,” Downs says.
New American Economy, a bi-partisan coalition of mayors and business leaders advocating for immigration reforms, reports more than 120,000 immigrant residents live in the Indianapolis metro area. Associate Director Rich Andre says cities benefit when these communities grow. In 2014, immigrants contributed $902 million in taxes.
“It’s incumbent on cities to do what they can to make sure their communities are as strong and as connected as possible,” Andre says.
The Immigrant Welcome Center submitted the plan to Mayor Joe Hogsett on Wednesday. The 40-page plan is available on the organization's website.
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