ICIRR

Immigrant integration is a dynamic, two-way process in which newcomers and the receiving society work together to build secure, vibrant, and cohesive communities. As an intentional effort, integration engages and transforms all community members, reaping shared benefits and creating a new whole that is greater than the sum of its parts (Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees).

This vision is central to the work of ICIRR. While we have worked on immigrant integration for years, comprehensive advocacy began in 2005 with the signing of the New Americans Executive Order. The unique public-private partnership created a first-in-the-nation government approach to immigrant integration. Recommendations from the Executive Order project addressed various issue areas including language barriers, citizenship, and economic and workforce development. Despite any institutional change or turnover, the overarching goal is for immigrant and refugee concerns to be considered and addressed at all levels of state government.

Although this model began in Illinois, several states have enacted similar initiatives.

Currently, ICIRR is focused on moving the We Want To Learn English effort forward. A need that is further outlined in the report released in May 2009, Empty Promises: The Unmet Need For English Instruction Across Illinois. ICIRR and the Governor’s office are working with the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), business community organizations and leaders, educators, and immigrant advocates to implement this vision of an adult education continuum.

For more information and to become involved with the project, contact Lisa Thakkar, New Americans Policy Project Coordinator at ICIRR.