New American Task Force 2023- 2024 Progress Report
Overview
The New Americans Task Force, led by The Center for Economic Opportunity & Belonging and the Utah Center for Global Talent at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), launched in May 2022 It is a statewide effort to maximize the economic opportunities, social inclusion, and civic potential of new Americans while fostering an environment of belonging in Utah. Task Force members, representing a diverse variety of organizations and agencies, make recommendations on issues related to integration, with an emphasis on workforce and economic opportunity for all.
What Does It Mean To Be A Task Force Member?
Inform: Ensure we maintain two-way communication. Contribute: Provide feedback and recommendations, participate in quarterly “look-backs,” and use time together for dialogue.
Connect: Share resources and opportunities with the community.
2023- 2024 Accomplishments
Trainings & Webinars
Priority Area:
Research
Publication
Priority Area:
Research
Economic Opportunity: Promote economic mobility through upskilling, small business development, and foreign degree credentialing.
Survey on Internationally Trained Professionals
Based on the Foreign Degree Credential Survey, this report highlights the barriers new Americans face in obtaining occupational licenses and offers recommendations to improve the process.
Partners:
World Education Services (WES)
Utah Department of Commerce
Key Findings:
6,051 new Americans participated, recommending the following improvements:
Create training or coaching programs to guide immigrants through licensing
Expand opportunities for job opportunities, such as apprenticeships or residencies
Establish a dedicated office or staff role to assist with licensing navigation
Permit licensing exams in native languages or with interpreter support
Offer industry-specific English language training
Global Talent: Promote resources to individuals and businesses to create immigration pathways to recruit and retain international talent.
Study on International Students in OPT in Utah
Conducted to understand trends in Optional Practical Training (OPT) enrollment in Utah
Partner:
Global Detroit
Key Findings:
Most Utah graduates on OPT remain in the state
OPT enrollment declined between 2013 and 2016
In 2023, 10,019 international students were enrolled in Utah universities, ranking 23rd in the nation
International students contribute an estimated $303 million annually to Utah's economy
2023-2024 Accomplishments
Priority Area:
Convenings
Government Leadership: Promote interagency coordination in issues related to new Americans in state and federal government.
Northern Utah Symposium
Partner Organizations: Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University American Immigration Council
Welcoming America
The symposium brought together local and national partners to highlight the vital role of federal, state, and local collaboration in immigrant integration Over 100 participants attended
Roundtable Discussion
Partner: Ogden City Human Rights Council
Hosted two community roundtables in Ogden to strengthen community-led efforts. Participants included United Way of Northern Utah, Weber State University, and My Home Town
Municipal Leaders Convening on Citizenship
Partner: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The event highlighted the positive impact of naturalization on Utah's economy and communities, noting that approximately 97,700 Utah residents are eligible for citizenship. It emphasized the importance of fostering welcoming communities and showcased available resources to support this effort. Over 75 participants attended.
New Americans in Southern Utah Symposium
Partner: Utah Tech University
This event featured national experts and local practitioners who shared data and strategies to improve understanding of Southern Utah's new American population Presenters highlighted the role of businesses and college campuses in supporting immigration and workforce development
Language Access Training
Partner: One Language
Participants ranging from the private sector, nonprofit sector, and government leadership gained knowledge of basic language access and plain language concepts, principles of language access, practical application, and effective community skills
Priority Area:
Connected Communities: Promote strategies that foster a culture of belonging across sectors and communities.
Seeking Common Ground: A Community Dialogue on Immigration Partners: The Human Rights Commission at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and Braver Angels
This event provided a platform for a facilitated, respectful conversation on the state of immigration in the U S and explored ways to move forward collectively
Increase Legal Services: Utah Citizenship Initiative In 2023, the Utah Center for Global Talent received a USCIS grant to develop innovative strategies for delivering citizenship resources to Utah’s rural communities to increase naturalization rates and create a statewide model for success
For more information on the New American Task Force, please contact Ze Min Xiao, president & CEO of the Center for Economic Opportunity & Belonging, at zxiao@belonginutah.org or admin@belonginutah.org
