This article is written by Lindsay Mensch, Content Manager, Welcoming America.

  • The problem: Migrant inclusion is an often overlooked facet of DEI.
  • Why it matters: Migrant communities face unique barriers, and we need intentional effort to welcome and include them in government programmes.
  • The solution: Centre newcomers in your DEIB work.

When you think about diversity, what comes to mind? Dimensions of identity like race, gender and class might rise to the top.

All elements of diversity are important frames as public servants design inclusive and equitable programmes for residents. However, more local governments are beginning to see a need to broaden their diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) efforts.

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In particular, migrant inclusion should be a greater focus in DEIB work. Newcomers add to the vibrant diversity of our communities. Recognising differences, acknowledging that these differences are a valued asset and striving for diverse representation are essential steps toward inclusion, equity and belonging.

Dimensions of identity like ethnicity, national origin, language and immigration status have real-world implications on people’s ability to thrive and succeed. Newcomers face barriers that are specific to them: navigating the cultural aspects of a new country can be challenging and even isolating for migrants and refugees. Research shows that health inequities are disproportionately experienced by immigrants.

Migrants bring invaluable insights that can help local governments and organisations take their work to new heights, benefiting everyone around them. People with migration backgrounds need to be a key part of DEIB initiatives because communities can only achieve true belonging when each of us has our wellbeing considered, and we’re all able to influence and participate in the institutions and structures that affect our lives.

How to centre migrants in DEIB

Over 14 years of working with local governments and nonprofits, Welcoming America has seen more communities trend toward deeper consideration of immigrants and refugees in the overarching work of DEIB.

Migrant inclusion is a set of deliberate actions that local governments can adopt to create opportunities for newcomers to be acknowledged as they are and therefore participate in the community as their whole selves. There are many places to begin thinking about migrants in the context of your DEIB work – here are a few to get started:

1. Reconsider your DEIB office values and priorities

Many localities have found success implementing a welcoming strategy from a government office that is responsible for DEIB strategy.

The Office of Racial Equity in San José, California, US, is a model for how this type of office structure can support newcomers. In June 2020, the office was established and now houses the Office of Immigrant Affairs.

“There are many communities across the U.S. that have not felt welcomed despite being here for decades. We know that when you apply intentional, targeted strategies for certain communities that have historically been left out, there are actually benefits for all.”

— Zulma Maciel, director of the Office of Racial Equity, City of San José, California

Similarly, in New Orleans, the Office of Human Rights and Equity sets the strategy for welcoming work within the city government.

“Creating a space in a specific office that's thinking about human rights, people's dignity and their quality of life within a city is at the core of [our office’s] goals and values. When we think about equity, as Mayor Cantrell says, we think about ‘meeting people where they are,’ but also connecting and identifying the disparities that we see societally. A city government has the onus and the responsibility to help bridge that gap.”

— Kahlida Lloyd, director of the Office of Equity & Human Rights, City of New Orleans, Louisiana

2. Apply an immigrant inclusion lens to existing efforts

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Make changes to your existing programmes to make them more equitable and inclusive for migrants and refugees. Some areas to target include:

  • Economic development

To build on the success of existing economic development programmes, the Seeds of Growth tool can help you integrate support for migrant and refugee entrepreneurs.

For example, in Baltimore, Maryland, US, the city government realised that some marginalised populations had limited access to existing microlending and small business programmes. The city recruited a local community development financial institution with linguistically and culturally competent staff to help spur business growth in Latino, immigrant and African-American communities. The result was increased access to existing resources for migrant entrepreneurs without expanding city staff positions or budgets.

  • Civic engagement

In your community, who is engaging in civic meetings and events? More importantly, who isn’t? More participation starts with meeting the needs and desires of all of your residents.

Inclusive civic engagement can range from hosting a town hall in the language spoken by the communities you want to reach to developing a programme that engages migrants as liaisons within their communities.

  • Public communications

Encourage local leaders to share public statements of welcome and reference concrete actions taken to welcome migrants. Reinforcing a welcoming narrative can uplift local values and help migrants feel a greater sense of belonging.

For more ideas on how to welcome newcomers through communications and beyond, explore Advancing a Welcoming Infrastructure for Humanitarian Relief.

3. Develop an action plan

Be proactive. Welcoming plans and migrant inclusion frameworks can help your government plan for the long term as communities grow more diverse and demographics change. Check out these welcoming plans from across the globe:

To create an action plan for your locality, use established standards to guide you. For instance, in the United States and Australia, there are nationally recognised Welcoming Standards that local governments use to benchmark their progress toward inclusion and belonging.

Main takeaways

At least 281 million people — 3.6% of the world's population — currently live outside their country of origin. Locally, the proportion of migrants is often higher as populations in towns and cities diversify and grow with the arrival of newcomers.

Like all residents, newcomers are important members of our communities and they are entitled to access resources and services regardless of the languages they speak or where they come from. By understanding the unique inequities migrants face and working together to find solutions, inclusion and belonging can become a reality.

Let’s make sure we welcome migrants in our communities and not forget them when we talk about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Done reading? Make sure to share your own tips for welcoming newcomers by leaving a comment below ⬇️

(Image credit: Unsplash)