Sasha Chanoff’s Post

📗 Growing together 📘 Much has been said about deepening social divisions in the face of current economic and political conflicts. Immigration seems to pose a particular threat to social cohesion. However, the outcomes are not always negative, as WZB researcher Clara van den Berg can show. She has investigated, that civil society engagement for #refugees also strengthens the host society. This is good news in the current #migration and #integration debate. In the research project “The Activated Civil Society” Clara van den Berg and her colleagues performed a qualitative comparison between four medium-sized German cities. Their focus was on the networks between civil society organizations and groups involved in refugee aid during the long summer of migration around 2015, but the observation period extended into 2021. Their study shows, that local civil societies can play a key role in ensuring social cohesion. Individual groups not only grow closer together, they also act as mediators in conflicts. The groups that emerged between 2015 and 2021 often face hostility from the right and have to justify themselves. Advocating for immigration is not easy in times of critical public sentiment. But precisely because of the great potential for conflict, the research has important implications for policymaking. Especially in times when social cohesion is eroding and democratic societies are in danger, it is essential to strengthen civil society, especially at the local level. This can be achieved through public funding for projects, the provision of physical spaces for engagement (especially in times of rising rents), and active support from local administrators. In the two cities, where the civil society communities flourished between 2015 and 2021, politicians and dedicated individuals in the administrations played a decisive role. One of the lessons learned from the study is this: The alliance between administrators and #civilsociety was a key step and remains crucial for the future of an active civil society. Find the whole article from the Online edition of our WZB research magazine here 🔽 https://lnkd.in/ek6_xS5P Teresa Völker Lennart Schürmann

Stop to consider: in the time it takes to count to two, another person is forcibly displaced from their home because of conflict or persecution. They need our help and welcome, but tragically, narratives around immigration in the U.S. increasingly depict people in need of safety as security threats, drains on resources or opportunists. To the contrary, embracing and empowering these talented, resilient individuals and families as they rebuild their lives is a smart investment in our country’s future. Right here in Baltimore, new Americans account for approximately 8% of Baltimore City’s population, but own around 70,000 homes and 22,000 businesses, boasting spending power of $9 billion dollars. As they make the most of an area that’s ranked as one of the best in the U.S. for immigrants, it’s clear these newcomers are more than willing to lay down roots here, contribute to Baltimore’s economy and culturally enrich our neighborhoods. But statistics only tell part of the story. Each figure represents a human being with hopes and dreams of a better life for themselves and their loved ones. Check out my latest op-ed in the Baltimore Sun about the amazing contributions immigrants and refugees bring to our city and how you can help. https://lnkd.in/eyqX_hGd

For Chicago-based folks, I wanted to share an in-person event coming up on April 17th exploring our recent report on Afghan evacuees. https://lnkd.in/eSCReYz9 Join the Crown Family School in an insightful discussion about the recently published Urban Institute report: 'Examining Afghan Evacuees’ Resettlement: Insights and Lessons for Future Humanitarian Populations,’ with two of the report authors and a panel of diverse experts. The report examines the experiences of 36 Afghan evacuees and how they fared a year and a half after arriving in the United States, and how the broader community and resettlement infrastructure in three study sites- Chicago, northern Virginia, and San Antonio - responded to their complex needs. The report concludes with lessons that can inform a framework of proactive policies that better prepare the US government, resettlement agencies, and other groups to meet the needs of people more cohesively during humanitarian crises. Panelists:  Jessica H. Darrow, Associate Instructional Professor, The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice Diana M. Guelespe, Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, Urban Institute Karina Lopez, Associate Director, Office of Welcoming Centers for Refugee and Immigrant Services - Illinois Department of Health and Human Services Mohammed Naeem, Deputy Director (Strategy and Partnerships), The American Immigration Council Sima Quraishi, Executive Director, Muslim Women's Resource Center John Slocum, Executive Director, Refugee Council USA

In honor of World Refugee Day on June 20th, we celebrate and recognize the resilience and invaluable contributions of refugees in our communities. Did you know refugees play a significant role in our economy as both earners and taxpayers? In 2019, the 2.4 million refugees in the US collectively earned a collective $93.6 billion in household income, contributing $25 billion in taxes. This left them with a substantial $68.6 billion in disposable income, which they use to support US businesses. However, refugees aren’t just earners; they're also entrepreneurs. In 2019, nearly 188,000 refugee entrepreneurs were making waves in various industries, surpassing other international newcomer groups. Their entrepreneurial spirit drives innovation and generates substantial business income, totaling $5.1 billion that year. These contributions extend beyond individual success stories. In states like California, Texas, North Carolina, Michigan, and Massachusetts, refugees wield significant spending power, totaling billions of dollars. In California alone, their spending power exceeds $20.7 billion, showcasing their profound impact on local economies nationwide. Rise Together is proud to work alongside the refugee community and refugee-serving organizations across the USA. Today, we celebrate you! https://lnkd.in/e_6kK7jx American Immigration Council #transformationtuesday #worldrefugeeday

Today, on World Refugee Day, Fairpicture stand's in solidarity with #refugees and displaced persons around the globe. We are deeply committed to telling their stories, elevating their voices, and creating a more #equitable world. Fairpicture believes in the power of #ethical storytelling to inspire change and foster understanding. We wish for the narratives of refugees to be seen, heard, and respected. Within Fairpicture we are dedicated to providing job opportunities and long-term economic stability for refugees, asylum seekers and the displaced. This commitment is demonstrated across multiple departments where we hire and support refugee talent. By integrating diverse perspectives into our team, we not only enrich our work environment and outputs with lived experiences but also contribute to the broader goal of economic empowerment for displaced individuals. Credit: Mohammad Rakibul Hasan / Solidar Swisse / Fairpicture #WorldRefugeeDay #RefugeeVoices #Fairpicture #EconomicEmpowerment #DiversityAndInclusion #RefugeeSupport #EthicalStorytelling #Fairpicture

Learning from history: "...don’t believe the doomsday predictions. Every major wave of newcomers has precipitated some degree of panic from native-born Americans. Yet the U.S. has always managed to absorb each new group and benefit from their presence. Ireland’s Great Famine precipitated the United States’ original migrant crisis. Yet even though the scale of that crisis dwarfed this one, New York managed it successfully. How we handled the migrant crisis of 1854 can teach us a lot about how to navigate our way through the migrant surge of 2024...." https://lnkd.in/gTPqp5iy #economicprosperity #refugees #refugeeswelcome #migrants #asylumseekers #hardwork #politicsandlaw #politicalnews #selfhelp #community #networks #immigrationlaw

GSFN Arkbound Foundation The "Five Stages of Moira: Refugees’ Voices" book explores the emotional and psychological journey of refugees, using the framework of the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—to convey their experiences. The book is based on the real-life accounts of refugees who have passed through or lived in the Moria Refugee Camp in Greece, which was one of Europe’s largest and most infamous camps. Denial - Captures the initial shock and disbelief that refugees experience when they are forced to flee their homes, leaving behind everything familiar. Anger - Highlights the frustration and outrage felt due to the harsh realities of displacement, including poor living conditions, bureaucratic hurdles, and the loss of dignity. Bargaining - Depicts the internal and external negotiations refugees go through, hoping for better circumstances, asylum, or a chance to rebuild their lives. Depression - Addresses the deep sorrow and hopelessness that can arise from prolonged uncertainty, isolation, and the trauma of past and present experiences. Acceptance - Represents the stage where refugees come to terms with their new reality, finding resilience, building communities, and sometimes, even a sense of hope for the future.

🌍 Refugee Resettlement Agencies: Economic Engines in Disguise 🚀 We often think of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, World Relief, International Rescue Committee and other refugee resettlement agencies as empathic, generous and compassionate. That is absolutely true. And, if we look at the data, they are all that and much more. For example, a groundbreaking 2017 National Bureau of Economic Research study by Evans and Fitzgerald reveals these organizations are also engines of economic progress! 💪 https://lnkd.in/gcyv2SK4 Resettlement agencies don't just save lives - they drive economic growth! 📈 🔍 Key findings: Refugee workforce dynamos! 💼 - Refugees surpass U.S.-born residents in labor force participation and employment after just 6 years, despite initial barriers. - Entrepreneurship among refugees rises with time, leading to thriving businesses. Refugees' economic impact soars! 🚀  - Refugees' incomes grow rapidly as they gain experience and skills. - After 8 years, refugees become net tax contributors. - Over 20 years, refugees pay $21,000 more in taxes than benefits received on average. Of course, there is a limiting factor for even more growth: affordable and available housing. 🏘️ More units means we can further unleash our nation's economic potential. The bottom line? Refugee resettlement is both the right thing to do AND a smart investment in our shared future. 🌟 #RefugeesWelcome #ResettlementWorks #PowerOfCompassion

Quarterly consultations (QCs) have evolved into dynamic gatherings shaping refugee resettlement strategies through collaboration and problem-solving. However, many QCs still need to become powerful planning forums. Our latest blog highlights innovative practices from resettlement experts across six states, offering inspiration to enhance your engagement strategies for more effective QCs and community coordination. Dive in to learn how intentional planning can foster a brighter future for refugees and host communities.

We often fear what we do not understand. This is sadly the case when it comes to refugee resettlement, especially in communities unaccustomed to cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity. This in-depth report on local discussions of refugee resettlement in rural Sauk County, Wisconsin shows how gaps in understanding lead to fear of the unknown. https://wapo.st/3XVV2Yj To be clear, refugees enter the U.S. legally, after extensive vetting. They work and contribute much more as consumers, tenants, taxpayers, employees, and entrepreneurs than they receive in public or private assistance during their first few months. Fortunately, there are people like Shaun Harris who understand who refugees are and what is at stake: “These are people who are escaping hellish situations hoping against hope that there is a place where decent people will say, ‘You can be safe…We will help.’ And I’m hoping Wisconsin will be that kind of place…” Spread the word: refugees are not to be feared. By welcoming our newest neighbors, we enrich our communities and our lives.