LANSING, MI (WHTC) – Governor Rick Snyder has declared September 16-25, 2016 as Welcoming Week in Michigan.
“As we celebrate Welcoming Week, we have an ever sharper focus on the need for immigration reform and how it will benefit Michigan economically,” said Snyder. “Michigan’s history is rich with economic, entrepreneurial and cultural contributions from generations of immigrants. As a leading welcoming state, our arms are open to New Americans from around the world who will contribute to our competitiveness in the global marketplace now and into the future.” Snyder says.
In 2014 Snyder established the Michigan office for New Americans (MONA) to help grow Michigan’s economy by retaining and attracting global talent to the state and promote skills, energy and entrepreneurial spirit of immigrant communities.
A new report released last month, The Contributions of New Americans in Michigan, validates the broad and positive economic impact being made by the more than 640,000 foreign-born individuals in Michigan. Published by the independent Partnership for a New American Economy, the report calculates the significant economic impact of New Americans in Michigan, as entrepreneurs and job creators, taxpayers and consumers, and as workers — accounting for 25 percent of the state’s tech talent, and helping to meet Michigan’s ever-increasing demand for workers in STEM and healthcare jobs.
Several Welcoming Week activities and events are scheduled around the state. A highlight will be the Welcoming Michigan Statewide Convening at Lansing Community College–West Campus, in Lansing on September 19, a daylong event that offers an opportunity to learn about efforts to create welcoming communities and share best practices on immigrant integration.
