One of the biggest takeaways from this year’s presidential election was concern about border security and immigration.
While Indiana is not a border state, it is home to an increasing number of foreign-born residents. As the demographics within Indiana change, what can Hoosiers learn about their immigrant neighbors?
Making Indiana home
The Foreign Born Population United States: 2022 report stated that, “Most states saw an increase in their foreign-born share between 2010 and 2022.” Indiana was no different seeing between a 5% and 9% increase during that timeframe.
Just over six percent or about 420,000 Indiana residents are foreign-born according to the 2023 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, compared to 14.3% in the nation. The same survey indicated that the highest percentage of people are coming to the crossroads of America from Mexico, India, Nigeria, China and Burma.
Gurinder Kaur, CEO of the Immigrant Welcome Center (IWC), said some immigrants choose to make Indiana their home for a multitude of reasons. Jobs, other people they know who are living nearby or simple word of mouth may bring them here.
“Immigrants are coming from a place of want, a place of growth,” Kaur said, “and when they go to a community, they’re doing that so that it’s a better place for their kiddos and they are wanting to make sure that they are able to integrate in a way that the life is better for the next generation.”
After working in health care, Kaur joined the IWC because she wanted to make an impact on the community she now called home.
To help newcomers get acclimated, the IWC offers refugee support, legal resources and classes in citizenship. Natural helpers, people who have lived experience with immigration, assist with navigating the challenges of living in a new country.
The IWC also takes a practical approach to teaching English. Learning the language can help immigrants better adjust and provide more career opportunities, Kaur said. IWC offers courses in English focused on areas of daily living skills such as medical care, financial literacy and transportation.
In addition, the IWC offers training for organizations that want to be more culturally responsive and create supportive communities.
Kaur said community support for immigrants can take the form of advocating for others who do not have a seat at the table. Making recommendations to offer public services and information in more languages can increase accessibility for others who are still learning English.
On a personal level, Kaur added getting to know your immigrant neighbors or colleagues can start with a simple hello, asking them how they’re doing or going to have coffee.
What about our economy?
Kaur acknowledged there are people worried about immigrants taking their jobs. However, she said immigrants are often doing jobs many U.S. born citizens are not seeking but are needed for the economy.
“They are working in our farms,” Kaur said. “They are working in our dairy farms. They are also making sure that various manufacturing factories throughout rural Indiana are functioning. These are jobs that nobody is taking.”
She added that immigrants also contribute to the economy through their buying power, by starting businesses and paying taxes. The American Immigration Council (AIC) reported that immigrant households in Indiana paid $4.3 billion in taxes in 2022.
Beyond policy and politics
People seeking asylum, fleeing political unrest, instability or the effects of climate change had diff energy experiences based on the current administration and its polices.
Kaur said they have seen changes in immigration patterns based on federal policies over the years, but the IWC is dedicated to continuing their efforts in a changing political landscape.
“We’re really committed to being a safe and inclusive space, (a) safe space for our community, and the work does not change amid the political climate,” said Maria Yuquilima, IWC marketing and communications manager. “We’re here to serve our community one step at a time, one presidency at a time.”
For more information on the Immigrant Welcome Center, visit www.immigrantwelcomecenter.org.
Contact Editor-in-Chief Camike Jones at 317-762-7850 or camikej@indyrecorder.com.
