Local Action, National Change: City-Level Efforts to Welcome Immigrants

Join Americas Society and Council of the Americas for the launch of Cities Leading for Immigrant Integration, a comprehensive new report on the efforts of cities across the United States working to make their communities more welcoming to immigrants. The report, prepared by the USC Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration, examines the nationwide trend toward the institutionalization of immigrant integration work at the local level, detailing the goals and strategies pursued by city offices for immigrant integration. Speakers and panelists from six diverse U.S. cities will share their own experiences on how city offices and partnerships with municipal governments are helping maximize the contributions of immigrants, shift local and regional dialogue, and drive immigrant inclusive policies. In light of domestic and international debates over how to address the flow of refugees to Europe and North America, a discussion on cities' responses to new arrivals has never been so pertinent.

This publication is part of AS/COA’s Immigration and Integration Initiative, which works to change the narrative on immigration by highlighting the critical role immigrants play in our economy through research and direct stakeholder engagement.

Welcome and Introduction:

• Brian Winter, Vice President of Policy, Americas Society/Council of the Americas; Editor-in-Chief, Americas Quarterly
• David Lubell, Executive Director, Welcoming America

Opening Keynote:

• Nisha Agarwal, Commissioner, NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs

Panel Discussion:

• Manuel Pastor, Director, Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration, University of Southern California
• Betty Cruz, Manager, Special Initiatives, Office of Mayor Bill Peduto
• Jamie Torres, Director, Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs; Deputy Director, Agency for Human Rights & Community Partnerships, City and County of Denver
• Monica Fuentes, Director, Washington, DC office, Welcoming America (moderator)

Follow the conversation on Twitter: @ASCOA | #ImmCities

Note: This event is free of charge. Prior registration is required.

Event Information: Brendan O'Boyle | boboyle@as-coa.org | 1-212-277-8366
Press: Adriana La Rotta | alarotta@as-coa.org | 1-212-277-8384
Cancellation: Contact Juan Serrano-Badrena at jserrano@counciloftheamericas.org before 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 14.