Refugees and immigrants in the United States face challenges in finding sustainable employment due to limited work authorization upon arrival. However, there is a growing trend of American companies partnering with newcomers who become authorized to work, providing support and job opportunities for migrants while filling out their labor forces [5019036e].
Luke's Lobster, a seafood company, has been hiring immigrants for its lobster processing operation since 2013. The company requires potential employees to provide necessary paperwork to prove their legal work status in the US. In 2022, Luke's Lobster introduced a program called 'Lift All Boats,' which offers on-the-job training to underserved populations. The company has not faced any backlash from local residents regarding its hiring practices [5019036e].
Partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies are crucial in supporting newcomers and all workers in building pathways to good jobs. Some cities, including Denver and Chicago, have implemented programs to expedite work authorizations for migrants. For example, the Illinois Department of Human Services and local not-for-profits have collaborated to submit nearly 6,000 work permit applications. Additionally, Maine Governor Janet Mills plans to establish an 'Office of New Americans' to address the state's shortage of workers in various professions [5019036e].
The 'New American Cities' program by the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) aligns with these efforts to support migrants in finding work and building economic self-sufficiency. The program focuses on workforce development, providing career advancement opportunities for refugees and immigrants by fostering collaboration between local governments, employers, and resettlement agencies [e02319d1].
In Massachusetts, migrants are making significant contributions to the state's economy. A report from Lowell Sun highlights that new immigrants in Massachusetts earn a median wage of about $24,000 per year, with the expectation that this will increase to about $34,000 per year within five years. The city of Lowell, which has a rich history of immigration, has been shaped by various waves of migrants. The migration of Southeast Asians, particularly Cambodian refugees, has transformed Lowell and reshaped its political landscape. The current arriving migrant families from Haiti, Venezuela, and elsewhere may follow a similar trajectory if they integrate into the economy and learn English [4c0fc69a].
The 'New American Cities' program by LIRS, along with the efforts to support migrants in Lowell and other cities, empowers refugees and immigrants to overcome poverty and raise their wages. By providing workforce development opportunities and fostering collaboration between local governments, employers, and resettlement agencies, the program offers a comprehensive approach to integration and economic self-sufficiency [e02319d1] [5019036e].
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York State has announced that $20 million has been awarded to 17 community-based organizations to help refugees become employed while adjusting to their new homes. The funding comes from the Refugee Support Services Program, which is funded by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement. The program aims to provide services that address barriers to employment, improve job search skills, and enhance English proficiency for recently resettled refugees in New York State. The funding will assist refugees in transitioning to life in New York and contribute to the state's economy. Last year, nearly 4,200 refugees were resettled in New York State, with most of them settling in communities upstate. Refugees living in New York make significant contributions to the state's economy, earning an estimated $6.2 billion annually and contributing roughly $2 billion in taxes [eb8fefc1].
A recent study has found that roughly 480,000 working-age adults in Massachusetts have limited English proficiency. The estimates are likely lower than the actual tallies due to high migration levels over the past two years. This language barrier poses challenges for immigrants in finding employment and contributing to the state's economy. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency last year over the number of immigrant families needing shelter and government services. Governor Healey has asked the federal government to help authorize immigrants for work, recognizing that increasing language skills can help address worker shortages as other factors strain the state's economy. In response, Governor Healey issued an executive order to ban state agencies from requiring college degrees in job applications except when absolutely necessary. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll noted that the order would help address the state's workforce issues [8dd36ab0].
In other news, the town of Chelmsford in Massachusetts is preparing for its upcoming election, with several competitive races for positions such as Select Board, School Committee, and Planning Board. The candidate field is finalized, and voters will have the opportunity to choose their representatives [4c0fc69a]. Additionally, the Dracut Fire Department in Massachusetts will be holding assessment centers to fill the ranks of chief, deputy chief, and captain in the department, following the retirement of Dracut Fire Chief Rich Patterson [4c0fc69a].