Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees - GCIR

Immigration is an enduring hallmark of the United States, helping to drive economic growth and define national identity since the country's founding. Although the United States has benefited greatly from immigration, the nation has historically been ambivalent about newcomers and their role in society. This indecisiveness has created formidable challenges for immigrants throughout the course of U.S. history, whether they hailed from Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East.

Determined to achieve the American Dream, the majority of immigrants across the generations have overcome poverty, discrimination, and other barriers to integration. Most have bettered their lives and those of their children, and enriched American society in the process. Similarly, other groups, such as Native Americans and African-Americans have contributed significantly to the nation's prosperity, overcoming enormous hardships. The hard work and aspirations of people from diverse backgrounds continue to make the United States the land of opportunity: a nation renowned for self-reliance, freedom, and democracy.

Today, many communities recognize that immigrants, regardless of their status, are vital to local economies and an integral part of the social and cultural fabric. When these populations join forces with longtime residents, a movement is created with the potential to address and solve pressing social issues including poverty, inadequate health care, and lack of employment opportunities. The thoughtful integration of newcomers will enable all of us to create a path leading to a secure and vital nation.