Utah Center for Global Talent & New Americans

The Utah Center for Global Talent & New Americans

Offering assistance to Utah businesses and individuals navigating pathways for global talent and the best practices that promote economic opportunity for New Americans living in Utah.

Upcoming Events

Survey on Internationally Trained Professionals

The Utah State Legislature created the center during its 2021 general session with the passage of H.B. 404. In the 2023 legislative session, its name was later changed to the Utah Center for Global Talent & New Americans to reflect the broader immigrant integration strategies and the opportunities for immigrants to contribute to the state's economic advancement with S.B. 153.

The center assists individuals and businesses in navigating pathways to recruit and retain global talent. It also engages with state and federal government partners to convene, facilitate, and advise on immigration policy and strategies that promote economic opportunity for New Americans or foreign-born individuals living in Utah.

Global Talent

Assist individuals and businesses in Utah with identifying pathways for recruiting and retaining international employees and the foreign labor process.

Coordination

Coordinate with state agencies on developing and administering policies and programs related to immigrant integration.

Strategy

Develop and implement a statewide strategy for immigrant integration that promotes economic opportunities for immigrant communities in the state of Utah.

Convene

A task force to review and make recommendations regarding state policies on immigration; develop and sustain relationships with local officials, business sector, and community stakeholders.

Advise

Advise and make recommendations to the governor, state agencies and legislature regarding immigrant integration and foreign labor issues.

Building on Utah’s spirit of welcome: Governors Welcoming Week Video 2023

New Americans in Utah

New Americans are vital in Utah’s fast-growing and robust economy and most in-demand fields. New Americans, or any foreign-born individual, arrive in Utah for various reasons, such as refugees fleeing conflict, families reuniting after years of separation, parents seeking a better life for their children, students pursuing their education, or workers seeking to fill an occupation or profession.

272,134 immigrants in Utah or 8.5% of the population
Tops countries from Mexico, India, Venezuela, Brazil and Canada
Immigrants contribute $613M in state and local taxes and $1.1B in federal taxes
Close to 10% of immigrants are entrepreneurs in Utah, and 8.5% of homeowners

New Americans in Utah

New Americans in Northern Utah

New Americans in Southern Utah

New Americans in Salt Lake County

The center convenes and coordinates with key stakeholders to educate and inform them on the issues facing Utah’s immigrant communities while uplifting immigrants' significant contributions to the state.

New Americans Task Force

One of the center's initiatives is the state's New Americans Taskforce, led in partnership with The Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging, to maximize the economic opportunities, social inclusion, and civic potential for New Americans while reinforcing an environment of belonging in Utah. The center convenes over 175 stakeholders statewide representing nonprofits, businesses, industry associations, state and local government, faith-based communities, and individuals to inform on opportunities related to immigration in the state and for task force members to make recommendations on issues related to integration, with an emphasis on workforce and economic opportunity for all.

Last year, the New American Task Force hosted four convenings in Salt Lake, Ogden, Moab, and St. George. In March 2023, the Task Force brought together national partners and local practitioners on immigrant integration for a symposium in Logan, Utah.

For more information on the New Americans Task Force, read the 2022 report and recommendations here.

Join the New Americans Task Force

Previous Events & Meetings

Utah State University: Perry Pavilion,
3500 Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322
March 31, 2023
9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

New Americans are essential to the dynamic and rapidly-expanding economy of northern Utah, contributing significantly to the region's most in-demand sectors. New Americans, or individuals who are born outside of the U.S., come to Utah for a variety of reasons, including escaping conflict or persecution, reuniting with family members after years of separation, seeking better opportunities for their children, pursuing education, or filling critical occupations and professions. For many, the ultimate aspiration is to become naturalized U.S. citizens.

By convening local and national partners together for the New Americans in Northern Utah Symposium, the goal is to emphasize the crucial role that federal, state, and local partners play in immigrant integration. New Americans are vital to communities in Utah on their journey to setting down roots, and leadership across the state foster vibrant, diverse, and inclusive communities.

Agenda

8:30 - 9:00 a.m.	Registration and Breakfast
9:00 - 9:10 a.m.	Welcome Natalie El-Deiry, Director of Immigration and New American Integration A Message From Governor Spencer Cox
9:10 - 9:25 a.m.	Opening Mia Love, Former U.S. House of Representatives
9:25 - 10:25 a.m.	Research Briefing on New Americans in Northern Utah Presenting the latest research on New Americans in the northernmost counties of the state, the American Immigration Council will highlight the changing demographics of the area while sharing the economic contributions New Americans make that are vital to the area's growth. The Center for Growth and Opportunity will present original research reports on the community and economic factors that drive integration. Rich André, American Immigration Council \| Dr. Catalina Amuedo-Dorantes, Center for Growth and Opportunity Moderator: Joshua Smith, Center for Growth and Opportunity
10:25 - 11:25 a.m.	Federal Immigration Initiatives and State-led Responses Guests from the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) will share the latest in federal immigration policy and efforts to launch the federal White House Task Force for New Americans. The audience will hear from other panelists how Utah is leading the way in welcoming the national dialogue on immigration reform and state-led policy initiatives that promote integration. Eva Millona, USCIS \| Gordon Larsen, Utah Governor’s Office \| Annie Healion, International Rescue Committee Moderator: Natalie El-Deiry, Director of Immigration and New American Integration at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
11:25 - 11:35 a.m.	Break
11:35 a.m. - 12:30 p.m	Messaging on New Americans To Build Social Cohesion Social cohesion is an essential ingredient for a thriving community. It is providing the opportunity for all members to feel they belong. Refugee Advocacy Lab and Refugees International will be presenting the findings of messaging research, best practices for engaging diverse audiences, and helping refugees and immigrants feel they belong. A panel of local leaders will share how these best practices are being implemented in communities in northern Utah. Megan Smith, Refugee Lab \| JeuneElle Jeffries, Boys & Girls Club of Northern Utah \| David Zook, Cache County \| Daniel Beus, Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection Moderator: Ze Min Xiao, Director of the Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging
12:30 - 1:15 p.m.	Lunch and Student Panel Discussion Moderated by Dr. Jane Irungu, the panel discussion will highlight the opportunities and challenges New American students experience integrating into campus life in university settings. The panel will highlight perspectives from refugee, immigrant, and international student backgrounds.
1:15 - 2:15 p.m.	Welcoming in Rural Utah Immigrants and refugees come to the U.S. in search of safety and opportunities to build better lives. While some settle in big cities, many find new homes in smaller cities and rural areas. This session will give an overview of Welcoming America's approach to welcoming work in rural communities and will share local strategies taking place in southern Utah. The session will give the audience a chance to reflect on how we can apply these strategies to local efforts. George Zavala, Welcoming America \| Geri Gamber, Julie Walker, Jade Powell, Southeastern Utah Association of Local Government Moderator: Stephen Gomez Perez, New American Rural Engagement Coordinator at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
2:15 - 2:30 p.m.	Closing Remarks Natalie El-Deiry, Director of Immigration and New American Integration

Speakers

Dr. Catalina Amuedo-Dorantes
Center for Opportunity & Growth

Rich André
American Immigration Council

Daniel Beus
Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection

Geri Gamber
Southeastern Utah Association of Local Government

Annie Healion
International Rescue Committee

Dr. Jane Irungu
Utah State University

JeuneElle Jeffries
Boys & Girls Club of Northern Utah

Gordon Larsen
Utah Governor's Office

Mia Love
Former U.S. House of Representatives

Jade Powell
Southeastern Utah Association of Local Government

Eva Millona
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Megan Smith
Refugee Lab

Julie Rosier
Southeastern Utah Association Local Governments (SEUALG)

George Zavala
Welcoming America

David Zook
Cache County

Municipal Leaders Convening on Citizenship
Zions Bank Founders Room
March 30, 2023
8:30 - 10 a.m.

Event Follow-Up

Thank you for attending the Municipal Leaders Convening on Citizenship event, generously sponsored by Dominion Energy and Zions Bank. The event was hosted by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity’s Utah Immigration Assistance Center and EDCUtah’s Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging.

Over 75 attendees navigated the winter storm to join us in exploring the critical role that federal, state, and local partners play in promoting naturalization and the resources available for those on the path to citizenship. We extend a special thanks to the municipal and local leaders from across Utah who attended and contributed to the event’s success.

We also thank our presenters for their insightful presentations and discussions, including:

Eva Millona, Chief of the Office of Citizenship, Partnership and Engagement at USCIS
Luz Escamilla, Utah State Senator
Norman Thurston, Utah House Representative
Nubia Peña, Senior Advisor on Equity and Opportunity and Director of the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs
Ze Min Xio, Director of the Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging
Joseph Genda, Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office of New Americans
Nicole Melaku, Executive Director of National Partnership for New Americans
Magaly Arteaga, Program and Training Manager at National Partnership for New Americans

Each speaker was essential in highlighting the importance of naturalization, sharing their stories of becoming U.S. citizens, and its positive impact on our economy and communities.

Scroll down to learn more about the speakers at the event.

As promised, here is a link to the presentation slides, including the welcome video from Gov. Cox, and information on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Citizenship and Integration grant program.

Please contact Magaly Arteaga at the National Partnership for New Americans Cities & Counties for Citizenship initiative to learn more about their initiatives and resources for local municipalities' efforts to naturalize local citizens.

Join our efforts with the Utah New Americans Task Force to learn more about immigration and integration in Utah, including our efforts to promote naturalization in Utah.

Stay tuned in for updates on future resources on immigrant integration on our webpage Utah Immigration Assistance Center or by subscribing to our newsletter, and learn about the Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging.

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New Americans are vital to Utah’s fast-growing and robust economy. They arrive in Utah for various reasons, including fleeing conflict or persecution, families reuniting after years of separation, parents seeking a better life for their children, students pursuing their education, or workers who fill critical occupations or professions. The ultimate goal for many is to become naturalized U.S. citizens.

In Utah, an estimated 97,700 individuals are eligible to become naturalized. When they naturalize, they become eligible to vote, earn higher wages, and access better jobs. These activities encourage them to become active community members through homeownership and civic engagement.

This meeting highlights federal, state, and local partners’ critical role in promoting naturalization and the resources available on their path to citizenship.

Thank you for your efforts in welcoming New Americans to our neighborhoods.

Agenda

8:15 – 8:40 a.m.	Registration & Breakfast
8:40 – 9:05 a.m.	Opening Remarks from State of Utah Leadership A message from Gov. Spencer Cox
9:05 – 9:15 a.m.	Naturalization in Utah \| Center for Economic Opportunity & Belonging
9:15 – 9:35 a.m.	Building Partnerships to Promote Citizenship United States Citizenship & Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security
9:35 – 9:55 a.m.	Mobilizing for Naturalization through Cities & Counties for Citizenship National Partnership for New Americans
9:55 – 10 a.m.	Closing Remarks \| Utah Immigration Assistance Center

New Americans in Southern Utah Symposium
Building Bridges With Utah’s International Talent

Feb. 23, 2024
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Utah Tech University

This event elevates Utah’s thriving economy by bridging and accelerating the talent pipelines for refugees and immigrants. It convenes national experts and local practitioners to present data to help attendees understand the New American population in southern Utah. Additionally, the role of businesses in the immigration and workforce space will be discussed, and innovative strategies will be shared, including examples from national and local employers who attract and retain global talent.

This event also provides a platform to cultivate dialogue between local government entities, organizations, institutions, businesses, and the community on opportunities for sponsorship and building connected communities.

Learn more

New American Task Force Partners

Global Talent

The center addresses barriers and challenges an immigrant workforce faces and bridges opportunities for talent pathways to Utah’s most in-demand sectors and industries, so New Americans can put their skills and talents to work in Utah.

While the immigrant population is growing along with the other changing demographics in Utah, immigrants are more likely to be of prime working age and have a higher labor force participation rate than U.S.-born residents.
Immigrants comprise 12.8% of physicians, 18.7% of manufacturing workers, 10% of other STEM industries, and over 20% of other essential industries like service, food, warehousing, and travel.
The New American Task Force surveyed over 6,500 internationally trained professionals and Utah newcomers to help identify ways these workers can contribute to Utah’s workforce. Over 80% of respondents held a bachelor's degree from their home country and averaged over 11 years of experience.

In 2023, The Center will lead a Utah cohort for the Skilled Immigrant Integration Program with World Education Services.

Immigration Assistance

The center provides resources and presentations to businesses and individuals on global talent, including guidance for employers on working with the existing immigrant workforce, navigating employment-based visa pathways, work authorization, naturalization, and more.

Foreign credentialing for internationally trained professionals

English Language Learning (ELL)Programs

Career Programs for English Language Learners

If you would like to learn more about immigration assistance please contact us to learn more.

Citizenship & Economic Opportunity

In Utah, nearly 60,000 individuals are eligible to become naturalized citizens. When New Americans naturalize, they earn higher wages, can access better jobs, and vote. People set down roots where they naturalize and become more active community members through home ownership and civic engagement.

In 2023, The center was awarded a grant from USCIS to build innovative strategies to deliver citizenship resources around the state—link here for the announcement.

USCIS Citizenship Resources

Immigration Legal Services

Immigration legal services and assistance are critical for businesses seeking to recruit and retain international talent and ensuring existing immigrants can access resources to maintain work authorization, lawful permanent residency, and naturalization.

American Immigration Lawyers Association | Lawyer Directory
Simple Citizen | Visit Website
US Journey Immigration Services | Visit Website
Trujillo Acosta Law | Visit Website
Fragoman | Visit Website
Catholic Immigration Services | Visit Website
No More a Stranger | Visit Website
Holy Cross Ministries | Visit Website
Communidas Unidas | Visit Website
International Rescue Committee | Visit Website
Moab Valley Multicultural Center | Visit Website
Timpanogos Legal Center | Visit Website

To support businesses and individuals seeking legal assistance, the center seeks to establish a broader referral network with immigration legal assistance providers and to produce a legal services guide for businesses and individuals in Utah seeking immigration legal assistance.

Please complete this form to have your information included as a referral source for businesses and individuals seeking immigration legal services.

Tell Us More

Are you a business owner who has developed a talent pathway to recruit and retain New Americans or an immigrant who is building a new life to pursue your American Dream? We want to hear from you. Telling your story helps to highlight best practices in our state for immigrant integration and shows that we have more in common than differences.

Business Elevated Podcast