I must admit that only a few months ago, before coming to work at IMPRINT, I didn't fully appreciate what "immigrant professional integration" was all about.

Stacey Simon

Living in New York City most of my life, working in international education and having a wide circle of friends, I was familiar with the stories of individual skilled immigrants.

Yet I had little appreciation of how many organizations were devoting significant resources to ensure that foreign-educated immigrants find their way back to appropriate professional employment in the U.S.

Now, having immersed myself in this work over the summer, I understand more about the substantial challenges -- and the creative solutions emerging across the country.

This fall, I'd like to enlist your help as we:

survey immigrants who were educated before coming to our country -- to understand the barriers they face, as well as the factors in their success
spread the word about promising practices
engage with government officials as well as corporate, foundation and educational leaders to bring professional integration issues into focus
build our coalition, a community of partners who are committed to making a difference.

Our combined efforts are attracting funding and other resources. Leaders with a stake in strong communities and vibrant industries are paying attention. And there is so much more we can do to address the barriers that prevent immigrants' talents and skills from being fully utilized in our communities.

If you are not familiar with the rapid expansion of the work in this field, here's the latest news from coalition members:

Now based at WES, IMPRINT can draw on the knowledge and resources of the Global Talent Bridge team whose effective workshops for practitioners are in high demand.

Upwardly Global's job seeker training and ground-breaking employer partnerships have launched in additional cities, with more resources available online.

Welcome Back Centers are also proliferating, adapting their innovative program model to help medical professionals get back on track or into related careers.

Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians received major funding to dramatically expand services for highly-skilled immigrants.

Led by CCCIE, a growing number of Community Colleges are addressing immigrant student needs head on.

Special thanks to the IMPRINT Steering Committee members and to IMPRINT Communications and Policy Director Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, who will continue to guide IMPRINT's agenda.

With your involvement, we will continue to advance the field by discussing, informing, connecting and advocating for policies and programs that result in systemic change.

I look forward to hearing your perspectives, learning about your specific interests and concerns, and to partnering with you in the coming months!

All best,

Stacey K. Simon