Why Immigrant Inclusion
Immigrant-Inclusive Economic Development:
Why this work matters now
Immigrant-inclusive economic development is an approach to economic growth that intentionally includes immigrants in workforce, entrepreneurship, talent, and community development strategies.
The idea is straightforward: communities are stronger economically when immigrants are fully able to contribute their skills, businesses, ideas, labor, and leadership.
At a moment when many regions are facing workforce shortages, slowing population growth, rising competition for talent, and economic uncertainty, this work has become increasingly urgent. Communities across the country are searching for ways to strengthen local economies, support employers, attract and retain talent, revitalize commercial corridors, and remain competitive. Immigrant-inclusive economic development offers practical, locally driven strategies to help meet those challenges.
Talent retention and attraction
Regional competitiveness and population growth
Entrepreneurship and small business ecosystems
Housing and community development
Innovation and startup ecosystems
Higher education
Workforce development
This work is not limited to immigration policy. It touches many sectors, including:
Talent retention and attraction
Regional competitiveness and population growth
Entrepreneurship and small business ecosystems
Housing and community development
Innovation and startup ecosystems
Higher education
Workforce development
WHY IT MATTERS
Immigrants play a major role in the U.S. economy:
At the same time, immigration and immigrant inclusion have become increasingly politicized, even as many local economies depend on immigrant workers, entrepreneurs, students, and families. E Pluribus works to help local leaders navigate this moment with practical tools, credible research, peer learning, and locally grounded strategies that connect immigrant inclusion to economic growth and shared prosperity.
A Locally Driven Approach
Immigrant-inclusive economic development is fundamentally local work.
Successful efforts are often led by coalitions that include employers, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, universities, local government, workforce agencies, philanthropy, and community-based organizations. These partnerships help communities identify shared economic priorities and develop solutions rooted in local context.
Retaining international students after graduation
Supporting immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as facilitating the launch of immigrant-led high-tech startups
Connecting employers with immigrant talent
Expanding access to workforce systems and business support
Building stronger cross-sector partnerships
Creating new public narratives around immigration and economic growth
Across the country, local initiatives are:
