Welcoming Week recognizes Indiana’s growing immigrant population

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Welcoming Week is in full swing.

It’s one other likelihood to acknowledge the ever-growing immigrant inhabitants in Indiana and across the nation. Advocates say, as we try this, it’s vital to acknowledge our historical past as immigrants to this land.

There are a number of occasions slated for the remainder of the week, merging with the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins Thursday.

An Immigrant Welcome Middle consultant says Indiana’s immigrant inhabitants have seen will increase in Afghan, Haitian and Congolese populations.

Though we’ve made strides in making Indiana communities extra welcoming, Hoosiers have room to develop. It’s a easy however clear message: “Irrespective of the place you might be from, we’re glad you’re our neighbor.” It’s on show by the handfuls outdoors Indianapolis Public Library’s Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., the house base for the Immigrant Welcome Middle.

Gurinder Kaur, chief government officer of the Immigrant Welcome Middle, stated, “How will we make these people who’re coming from such various backgrounds to really feel welcomed in our communities?”

In partnership with the nationwide group Welcome America, Indianapolis is considered one of a number of cities recognizing Welcome Week. It’s a name to motion, encouraging individuals to embrace individuals from completely different walks of life by way of a collection of neighborhood occasions, together with yoga, citizenship day lunches, and story occasions highlighting tales from varied cultures.

“It makes our neighborhood extra vibrant, and it makes individuals like me who’re immigrants. I’ve now lived in Indiana since 1998,” Kaur stated.

She says, as an immigrant, she’s seen the challenges and observed the enhancements, however believes we’ve received an extended strategy to go.

“They’re making our communities extra welcoming. Nevertheless, let’s keep in mind xenophobia continues to exist in our communities,” Kaur stated. “So, that’s why these Welcome Week occasions are simply as vital to be sure that each particular person, regardless of the language they communicate, regardless of the tradition, or their documentation standing, is simply as vital and ought to be welcomed into the neighborhood.”

“We’re all making an influence on the vitality of our neighborhood,” Kaur stated.