Rise Together’s Post

Immigrant entrepreneurs have long fueled America's economic engine. Nearly half of Fortune 500 companies can be classified as “New American” – Companies founded by immigrants or their children. From iconic giants like Apple to rising Fortune 500 stars like Lululemon, their innovation fuels job creation and economic growth across industries. Their impact: - New American Fortune 500 companies employ 14.8 million people. On average, New American Fortune 500 companies employ 66,192 workers - New American Fortune 500 companies brought in more than $8 trillion in revenue. - Six states host at least ten New American Fortune 500 firms, highlighting their regional economic influence. Fortune 500 companies play a vital role in the U.S. economy, representing over 65% of the GDP. Their impact extends locally and statewide, particularly in hubs like New York, Texas, and California, where they stimulate business investment and development. Professional networks and collaborative spaces in these states brought about by the presence of these companies foster innovation and new business formation, driving economic growth and prosperity. Want to know more about the importance of immigrants in our workforce and their contributions to our future? Read more about it at: https://lnkd.in/eXu6QNBq American Immigration Council #transformationtuesday

As the United States navigates the challenges of an aging population and strains on vital social programs like Social Security and Medicare, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent. At the heart of these challenges lies a critical shortage of direct care workers—certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care aides—who are essential to supporting our elderly population. By 2040, the ratio of working-age adults to seniors will drop significantly. To address this, immigration policy reforms are essential. Immigrants bring vitality to our workforce, contributing their skills and energy to sectors where demand is highest. The Brookings Institution proposes 4 key pillars for change. Pillar 1: Pathways for Direct Care Workers -Introduce the H-1D visa, a dual-intent visa for direct care workers, supporting their journey towards permanent residency. -Include direct care workers in the Department of Labor's Schedule A "shortage occupation" list to streamline the immigration process. Pillar 2: Increasing Immigration Caps -Propose a 50% increase in permanent employment-based migration caps, with annual incremental adjustments to meet future workforce needs. Pillar 3: Addressing Current System Flaws -Advocate for reforms like those in the bipartisan Dignity Act, which streamline pathways to legal status for Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status holders. Pillar 4: Adequate Funding for Immigration Infrastructure -Invest in improving processing times and reducing backlogs within the immigration bureaucracy to ensure efficient implementation of these reforms https://lnkd.in/e7T83Sas #transformationtuesday

In honor of World Refugee Day on June 20th, we celebrate and recognize the resilience and invaluable contributions of refugees in our communities. Did you know refugees play a significant role in our economy as both earners and taxpayers? In 2019, the 2.4 million refugees in the US collectively earned a collective $93.6 billion in household income, contributing $25 billion in taxes. This left them with a substantial $68.6 billion in disposable income, which they use to support US businesses. However, refugees aren’t just earners; they're also entrepreneurs. In 2019, nearly 188,000 refugee entrepreneurs were making waves in various industries, surpassing other international newcomer groups. Their entrepreneurial spirit drives innovation and generates substantial business income, totaling $5.1 billion that year. These contributions extend beyond individual success stories. In states like California, Texas, North Carolina, Michigan, and Massachusetts, refugees wield significant spending power, totaling billions of dollars. In California alone, their spending power exceeds $20.7 billion, showcasing their profound impact on local economies nationwide. Rise Together is proud to work alongside the refugee community and refugee-serving organizations across the USA. Today, we celebrate you! https://lnkd.in/e_6kK7jx American Immigration Council #transformationtuesday #worldrefugeeday

Did you know that immigrants and their descendants make up over a quarter of the U.S. population today, and their presence is steadily growing? Between 2000 and 2023, they drove growth in the young and working-age segments, preventing a decline of more than 8 million workers. As U.S. birth rates decline, the significance of immigrants and their U.S.-born children becomes even more pronounced. Without them, our prime working-age population would have experienced a substantial shrinkage, highlighting their indispensable role in sustaining our workforce. Immigrants were the sole drivers of growth in the U.S. civilian labor force during this period, constituting a remarkable 29% of all workers by 2023. Their impact spans various occupational clusters, with significant representation in STEM, healthcare support, blue-collar, and food and personal services occupations. These sectors are poised for growth and are set to be substantially shaped by immigrants. This underlines the pivotal role international newcomers will continue to play in the future of our workforce. As we chart a course toward tomorrow's opportunities, we should recognize newcomers' invaluable contributions and ensure that policies and research efforts are aligned to support their integration and advancement in the evolving labor market landscape. Want to know more about the importance of immigrants in our workforce and their contributions to our future? Read more about it at: https://lnkd.in/geuUKwPx Migration Policy Institute Julia Gelatt Jeanne Batalova Michael Fix #transformationtuesday

Electric vehicles and EV charging are the talk of the country but do you know who the innovators leading the EV charging revolution are? Dwi Sutandar and Lin Sun Fa, Indonesian immigrants who journeyed to the U.S. for college, founded AeonCharge in 2020 and began changing the EV charging game. Emerging from Y Combinator in 2022, their company is actively securing a $15 million Series A round, flaunting an impressive $60 million valuation. Recently, the dynamic duo earned a coveted spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, celebrated for their impactful role in shaping the future of energy. Want to learn more about why transformation is important to actualise the workforce of the future? Read more at: https://lnkd.in/eDdbJQVy Dwi Sutandar Lin Sun Fa Forbes #transformationtuesday

Did you know that foreign-born talent is driving groundbreaking innovation in strategic industries? Immigrants are the authors or co-authors of 30% of all patents within these critical sectors, despite constituting only 20% of the workforce. Their impact is profound and shaping the landscape of innovation. Want to know more about the importance of immigrants in our workforce and their contributions to our future? Read more about it at: https://lnkd.in/eiUJqRMt Economic Innovation Group Connor O'Brien Adam Ozimek

Highly skilled immigrants drive innovation, supercharge startups, and spur economic growth, yet not all regions of the US have equal access to this talent. The Heartlands, where economic revitalization is desperately needed, is often left behind. To combat this issue, EIG has an innovation proposal: The Heartland Visa. It allows communities to opt into a new immigration pathway for highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Prioritizing higher-earning applicants and those with local ties, the Heartland Visa would serve as a key component of economic revitalization in participating places. To learn more about the Heartland Visa, read more about it at: https://lnkd.in/ekPiX6JA Economic Innovation Group Milica Cosic #transformationtuesday

"The zero-immigration projection is unrealistic." While concerns about job competition and cultural shifts brought about by immigration persist in society, we must realize that immigration brings crucial benefits. It has bolstered the U.S. economy in the post-pandemic world and is essential for maintaining future economic growth and the stability of social programs. Without embracing immigration, the U.S. risks economic stagnation similar to Japan's. https://lnkd.in/edqCFDms The New York Times #transformationtuesday

David Velasquez's path to Harvard Medical School was anything but easy. Born to asylum seekers fleeing war-torn Central America, David's family faced homelessness and financial hardship in their pursuit of a better life. But these challenges only fueled David’s determination to make a difference. Today, as he prepares to graduate from Harvard Medical School and armed with his master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education and business administration from Harvard Business School, he aims to reform a healthcare system too often inaccessible to those on society’s fringes. From living in a motel to advocating for healthcare reform, David's journey is a testament to resilience and service. Want to learn more about his journey? Read his full story at https://lnkd.in/efGEuHFV #transformationtuesday