Reimagining the Midwest: Immigration Initiatives and the Capacity of Local Leadership

Elected and civic leaders throughout the Midwest are recognizing that they have a role to play in shaping immigration policy despite inaction at the federal level, according to a report released by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the American Immigration Council.

Whether by launching programs to infuse the local economy with new talent or adopting strategies to socially integrate immigrants, there is an unprecedented commitment from local leaders understanding the importance of immigrant integration in the region. This report puts the range of Midwestern initiatives into context, offering a concise overview of state, city, and metropolitan programs, as well as the robust non-governmental civic initiatives that sometimes operate alongside, or in place of, government-driven programs. By documenting the array of initiatives in the region, the report serves as a resource for others interested in replicating these models, highlights the extent of the momentum building in this part of the country, and encourages greater regional collaboration and engagement for individuals and organizations working on these issues.

• Read the full report.
• Read the highlights from the #MidwestImmigration local Initiatives tweet chat.

Additional Immigration Council Resources on States Highlighted

Illinois

• New Americans in Illinois: The Political and Economic Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in the Prairie State
• Illinois: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Innovation, and Welcoming Initiatives in the Prairie State

Indiana

• New Americans in Indiana: The Political and Economic Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in the Hoosier State
• Indiana: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Innovation, and Welcoming Initiatives in the Hoosier State

Kentucky

• New Americans in Kentucky: The Political and Economic Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in the Bluegrass State
• Kentucky: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Innovation, and Welcoming Initiatives in the Bluegrass State

Michigan

• New Americans in Michigan: The Political and Economic Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in the Great Lakes State
• Michigan: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Innovation, and Welcoming Initiatives in the Great Lakes State

Minnesota

• New Americans in Minnesota: The Political and Economic Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in the North Star State
• Minnesota: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Innovation, and Welcoming Initiatives in the North Star State

Missouri

• New Americans in Missouri: The Political and Economic Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in the Show Me State
• Missouri: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Innovation, and Welcoming Initiatives in the Show Me State

Nebraska

• New Americans in Nebraska: The Political and Economic Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in the Cornhusker State
• Nebraska: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Innovation, and Welcoming Initiatives in the Cornhusker State

North Dakota

• New Americans in North Dakota: The Political and Economic Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in the Peace Garden State
• North Dakota: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Innovation, and Welcoming Initiatives in the Peace Garden State

Ohio

• New Americans in Ohio: The Political and Economic Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in the Buckeye State
• Ohio: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Innovation, and Welcoming Initiatives in the Buckeye State

Pennsylvania

• New Americans in Pennsylvania: The Political and Economic Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in the Keystone State
• Pennsylvania: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Innovation, and Welcoming Initiatives in the Keystone State