IRIS: Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services

Exciting news!! On Nov. 14, our former executive director Chris George will deliver the keynote address at the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame annual gala celebrating four distinguished individuals. They will be inducted into the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame in recognition of their immense contributions to their communities and to the country. You can register for the event at the National Immigrant Heritage Center's website at the following link: www.immigrantheritage.org. We hope to see you there! #NationOfWelcome #Refugees #Immigrants #HallOfFame

It's October 28th and since President Ronald Reagan and a bipartisan Congressional act on this day in 1987, we have publicly honored our nation’s diverse heritage. What President Reagan said then holds true today, “Immigrants have always brought great gifts to their new home on these shores -- the gifts of hardiness and heart, of intellect and hope. Two hundred years ago, immigrants were among the framers of a Constitution for these United States. `We the People'' and created what a future President named Lincoln would call ``government of the people, by the people, for the people.''’ Hear, hear. #nationalimmigrantsday #refugeeswelcome #nationofwelcome

Join the biggest celebration for immigrants & refugees! On February 9th (Super Bowl Sunday - 2025), our community will come together to show that newcomers from all over the world are welcome in Connecticut. Now in its 18th year, register for New Haven's annual tradition - IRIS' Run for Refugees 5k - where you can run, walk, enjoy food and music, and unite our community in a celebration of diversity. Your participation and donations raise critical funds for IRIS’ services, which include housing assistance, healthcare, education, job placement, and more for displaced people. Hurry and register now! The First 2000 registrants will get our special white technical long-sleeve shirt! (Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/eyJxzsxn) If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for our annual tradition, please contact "development@irisct.org" or check out the following link. (Link: https://lnkd.in/em8Fu3p7)

While there’s public debate whether immigration represents a net cost or benefit to the U.S. economy, in reality, a strong body of research and thinking among economists is quite clear: Immigration, on balance, is a net positive for the economy. Immigrants contribute significantly to overall economic growth by: ✅ Expanding the labor force ✅ Increasing consumer spending ✅ Driving job creation Our latest explainer, Immigrants and the U.S. Economy, gives a quick, accessible tour of the findings on the impact of immigration on economic and labor force growth, fiscal effects, and whether foreign-born workers take jobs from the U.S. born. Check this explainer out and earlier ones looking at immigrants and crime, noncitizens and voting, immigrants and welfare eligibility and use, and a profile of the U.S. immigrant population. All findable at our Immigration: The Basics collection.

More FACTS about the importance of #immigrants to the vitality of our #economy. Kudos to American Immigration Council & Upwardly Global. #factsmatter #immigration #refugeeswelcome

🚀 Immigrant entrepreneurs power the U.S. economy like never before! In 2024, 46% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children, generating a staggering $8.6 trillion in revenue last year — more than the GDP of countries like Japan, Germany, and the U.K. 🌍 These “New American” companies — like Apple, Amazon, and DoorDash — employ over 15.5 million people worldwide, equivalent to the population of Pennsylvania. They are leading the way in industries like manufacturing, tech, and professional services, showcasing the innovative spirit that drives our country forward. At Upwardly Global, we believe that supporting immigrant entrepreneurs isn’t just about fairness — it’s about fueling growth, job creation, and the future of our economy. Let’s continue to create opportunities for the next wave of innovators! https://lnkd.in/e3SdssWz #ImmigrantEntrepreneurs #Fortune500 #NewAmericanEconomy #Innovation #JobCreators #UpwardlyGlobal

International Business Dinner A great opportunity to celebrate with International Business students, faculty members, and wonderful guests. Thanks to Maggie Mitchell Salem, Executive Director of IRIS: Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services for her passionate keynote speech. With welcoming messages from Holly Raider, Dean of Quinnipiac University - School of Business, Poonam Arora, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs & Strategic Initiatives, Robert M. Yawson, PhD, MPhil, MS, CMBE, Chair of Dept of Entrepreneurship, International Business, Strategy, and Mohammad Elahee for organizing and leading the event. This event was complemented with wonderful and diverse cuisines from around the world and Irish Dance Club. All proceeds from event goes to support IRIS: Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services Quinnipiac University, M&T Bank Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Mostafa Analoui, Suzeline Cadestin

Whether you’re enjoying a day off iho #IndigenousPeoplesDay or you’re wherever work may be, our staff have just the playlist you need now: https://spoti.fi/3BHNQHA And check out the companion video too: #hispanicheritagenonth #latinmusic

Did you know? 🤔 “Seventy-seven percent of immigrants in the United States as of 2022 held permanent legal status (as a naturalized citizen, refugee or asylee, or green-card holder) or a long-term nonimmigrant visa (international students and temporary workers among them), according to the Pew Research Center.” More here: https://lnkd.in/eTvd2MVq. #factsmatter #immigration

As the date for the 2024 election approaches, IRIS is sharing our national resettlement agency Church World Service’s civic engagement resources. Included here are key dates and resources that can help guide you as we approach this election season. #CivicEngagement #NationOfWelcome #Refugees #Immigrants