San Diego (California) gets grant to rehabilitate immigrants, refugees

The city of San Diego in the state of California of the US got $25,000 to develop a strategic plan for it to welcome immigrants and refugees and let them integrate.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp. will coordinate with several local not-for-profit organisations to research what immigrant and refugee communities need over the next six months and beyond, said the mayor’s office. A multi-year strategy to incorporate integration efforts into local government is the goal it was said.

The San Diego Union-Tribune quotes Kevin Faulconer, Mayor, as saying that as immigrants and refugees contribute to the culture and economy of San Diego, their region had allowed more refugees than any other city in California.

He said that this new program would make sure that they continue aiding those who come to San Diego to have a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

San Diego, along with Long Beach, Chicago and Portland, is one among 25 communities across the United States to get a grant this year.

Paola Avila, vice president of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, said that essential to attract foreign investment and entrepreneurs was the creation of an immigrant friendly community which is welcoming.

He said that this initiative would gather stakeholders together so that they can better understand the needs of their communities and lay out a strategy that will ensure that immigrants integrate better with their innovation economy.

Taking part to come up with a steering committee that will start planning the research in September would be organisations such as the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium, RISE San Diego, the San Diego Refugee Forum and Alliance San Diego together with business leaders.

If you are planning to migrate to the US, get in touch with Y-Axis, a well-known consultancy for immigration services, to apply for a visa.