The goal of MAII is to be a resource for municipal officials and community-based organizations who seek assistance in addressing immigrant integration challenges in their communities. In addition, promoting international connections ensures that NLC member cities are able to draw ideas and best practices from a wider pool of examples of successful immigrant integration initiatives. MAII provides direct assistance through collaboration with city partners. These cities are working to engage immigrant residents through launching the NewCITYzens Naturalization Campaign, providing training and information sessions, and implementing the MAII Citizens’ Academy, among other activities. The opportunity to participate is open to all NLC member cities. Below is a list of our current city partners:
Created in 2009, the Hispanic and Immigrant Liaison is a position within the Community Development, Planning & Policy Department. The liaison works to establish contact and communication with the Hispanic community as well as the general immigrant community and is involved in Community Development planning projects and initiatives that affect the Hispanic and immigrant communities in the city. In addition, the liaison educates the community at large about the changes and cultural issues associated with diverse populations within Fort Wayne. For more information about Fort Wayne and other cities, read Municipal Innovations in Immigrant Integration: 20 Cities, 20 Good Practices.
The Littleton Immigrant Resources Center (LIRC) is a division of Bemis Public Library, a department of the City of Littleton. Its One-Stop Information Center provides area immigrants with information on employment, health, recreation, education, housing, legal issues, transportation, emergency needs, and more. The LIRC also encourages two-way integration by matching newcomers with community volunteers for friendship and cultural exchange, and it encourages citizenship and civic community involvement by coordinating citizenship mentoring programs, sponsoring English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and offering opportunities to participate in local activities and events.
For more information about Littleton and other cities, read Citizenship and Naturalization Programs or Municipal Innovations in Immigrant Integration: 20 Cities, 20 Good Practices, or watch a video of Program Director Alejandra Harguth, as she discusses the program in more detail at the 2010 City Showcase.
The City of Grand Forks is home to a growing refugee population from countries such as Somalia and Bosnia. In response to the arrival of refugee groups, the City of Grand Forks established the Grand Forks Immigrant Integration Committee. The committee, chaired by the president of the city council, was created to promote mutual understanding and civic engagement.
Since its opening in 1973, the International Center of Indianapolis has worked to promote mutual understanding and cultural diversity in the City of Indianapolis. The Center holds regular naturalization information workshops and hosts two naturalization ceremonies annually. In collaboration with the city, the Center encourages citizenship and civic engagement. For more information about Indianapolis, read the City Practice Briefs on Immigrant Affairs Committees and Councils, Municipal Innovations in Immigrant Integration: Indianapolis Model, 2000-2007 and Immigrant Integration: Resource Access and Cultural Exchange.
The City of Boulder created the Immigrant Advisory Committee (IAC) in 2006 to encourage immigrant participation in the city’s government and to inform local policy decisions affecting the immigrant community. The IAC serves to ensure equal access to city services and to promote civic engagement. The IAC is a unique council, comprised of a maximum of seven immigrant residents appointed to effectively represent the demographics of Boulder’s immigrant populations. For more information about Boulder and other cities, read Municipal Innovations in Immigrant Integration: 20 Cities, 20 Good Practices.
The Office of Multi-Cultural Affairs and Religious Affairs (OMRA) in Memphis works to improve the quality of life of all the city’s residents by encouraging the contributions of ethnic and religious communities. OMRA’s goal is to promote a culturally rich and diverse city while assisting newcomers in accessing opportunities and benefits provided by the city. For more information about Memphis and other cities, read the City Practice Briefs on Mayoral Immigrant and Latino Affairs Offices and Immigrant Integration: Resource Access and Cultural Exchange.
NLC and the City of Memphis Partner to Promote Successful Immigrant Integration (August 12, 2010)
Since 2000, Alexandria’s Multicultural Services Initiative (MSI) has been working to ensure that the city’s culturally diverse residents have access to all city services and resources. MSI also instituted an Annual Citizenship Day that includes a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony and a reception held in Alexandria’s historic Market Square. For more information about Alexandria and other cities, read the City Practice Brief on Citizenship and Naturalization Programs.
NLC and the City of Alexandria Partner to Promote Successful Immigrant Integration (August 19, 2010)