Although they make up less than 2 percent of the population, immigrants account for 19 percent of newcomers to the state since 2011. For these positive trends and contributions to continue, we need to enact policies that make West Virginia the most welcoming state for immigrants, and strongly reject all rhetoric and policy that demonizes immigrants. According to ICE statistics released by the American Civil Liberties Union-West Virginia, immigrants are more likely to be rounded up by ICE than in any other state, creating a climate of fear for immigrants seeking to live and work in West Virginia. Lida Shepherd, AFSC’s West Virginia Economic Justice Project coordinator discusses steps to support immigrants in West Virginia.
Lida Shepherd: Welcoming immigrants to W.Va.
Although they make up less than 2 percent of the population, immigrants account for 19 percent of newcomers to the state since 2011. For these positive trends and contributions to continue, we need to enact policies that make West Virginia the most welcoming state for immigrants, and strongly reject all rhetoric and policy that demonizes immigrants. According to ICE statistics released by the American Civil Liberties Union-West Virginia, immigrants are more likely to be rounded up by ICE than in any other state, creating a climate of fear for immigrants seeking to live and work in West Virginia. Lida Shepherd, AFSC’s West Virginia Economic Justice Project coordinator discusses steps to support immigrants in West Virginia.