Engaging employers in immigrant integration

Year Published:

Abstract

This report addresses the following questions: 1. What do we know about employer engagement in immigrant integration? 2. What conceptual and theoretical strands can guide knowledge about employer engagement in immigrant integration? 3. What can employers do to foster immigrant integration? To answer those questions, the author reviewed the evidence from literature, and complemented this evidence with interviews with key people who are knowledgeable about employers’ role in immigrant integration. The findings unveiled workplace practices that employers could adopt to foster the integration of their immigrant workforce. Examples of these practices are (a) providing English-language training; (b) offering naturalization assistance; (c) providing safety and occupational training in workers’ native languages; (d) having a better understanding of credentials acquired abroad; (e) equipping human resources staff with knowledge in immigration policy and compliance; (f) providing immigrant-conscious employment assistance programs; (g) providing affidavits of support and sponsorship to immigrants trying to adjust their status; (h) negotiating worker-training funds with unions; (i) implementing high-performance work practices that are inclusive of immigrant workers; and (j) partnering with immigrant-serving organizations to enhance employer’s capacity to serve immigrant workers.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

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About this study

AGE: Adults

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Free

HOST COUNTRY: United States

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

INTERVENTION DURATION: Varies

INTERVENTION: Workplace intervention

OUTCOME AREA: Inclusive Communities

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Suggestive

TYPE OF STUDY: Literature review

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2015

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