Community Creates Bridge for Migrants

SPRINGDALE — The Cisneros Center for New Americans and the organization Welcome America conducted an event focused on the importance of creating a more friendly and welcoming atmosphere for immigrants in Northwest Arkansas.

In the facilities of The Workers’ Justice Center on Thursday, April 16, participants of the meeting discussed different ways to achieve integration of the immigrant community into the American society.

The national organization Welcome America aims for the United States be a more open country with foreigners, so they can feel they are part of the society.

Given the major obstacles that most Latinos face to reach this country, this event sought that Americans understand the importance of foreigners in their society.

“Immigrants are making a great contribution to the country and are not an obstacle, but rather an opportunity for everyone,” said Jessy Molina, director of education and training for Welcome America.

Among the topics discussed were the importance of immigrants to connect to different communities, becoming a part of their church groups, participating in community events, and being in touch with leaders.

The multicultural crowd listen intently to ideas on how to help immigrants transition into living in Northwest Arkansas.

For Deanna Perez Williams, member of the Migrant Education Program, the best strategy to integrate immigrants is to focus on their strengths.

“All immigrants who have moved to Northwest Arkansas have the strength of family, strength of unity, the strength to be compassionate themselves,” Williams said.

Creating bridges for the integration between Americans and immigrants is a key to the success for society, so Jacob Perry, fellow at the Cisneros Center, considers it is vital to continue offering services such as English classes to migrants.

In addition, Perry said “areas such as dance, music and education unite all kinds of families.”