Immigrant Welcoming Centers in Illinois?

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Here's a novel idea: Treat immigrants like welcomed guests. Believe it or not, it's what leaders in Illinois are proposing to do. I say, Bravo!

According to the story in today's Chicago Tribune, the proposed state-funded centers would be located in suburbs and Downstate towns with recent spikes in immigrants. The "welcoming centers" provide one-stop assistance for job training, health care and other services. There are also plans to provide funding for English classes for adults and dual-language programs that teach elementary school pupils, both immigrants and U.S.-born.

Additionally, a state panel wants to streamline the process through which foreign-born professionals can transfer degrees and other certification to the U.S., to help them land jobs that match their skill levels.

This is refreshing and forward-thinking on the part of Illinois. Cities like New York, Miami, Washington, DC and Chicago are so much richer because of the talents and hard work of immigrants. Why not extend that benefit to the whole state of Illinois?

I say it's a shrewd move.

Posted by USTaino at 9:00 PM