NEW AMERICANS IN NORTHERN UTAH SYMPOSIUM
Utah State University: Perry Pavilion,
3500 Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322
March 31, 2023
9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Parking is available in any of the three parking terraces on the map. The university is not able to provide parking validation for this event. View the campus map here.
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 2:15 - 2:30 p.m. |
Closing Remarks Natalie El-Deiry, Director of Immigration and New American Integration |
Speakers
