There is a history in the United States of immigrants stimulating the very conditions of economic vitality that caused them to come here. Nonetheless, especially for non-citizens, the policy barriers to economic security can be huge. Policies must be shaped now to welcome immigrants.

Several states and localities have tried to overcome those barriers by establishing welcoming initiatives under such names as “The New Iowan”. In many cases, such projects focus on the basics of prospective citizenship. There are a very wide range of possible services that go beyond welcoming. Some are basics, such as voting (for citizens), drivers licensing and municipal services. For undocumented immigrants, receiving education and training or establishing an enterprise (both important ways to create economic security) seem impossible. The American-born children of undocumented immigrants are in a somewhat more positive but still problematic situation. School systems, public welfare agencies and colleges and universities are reluctant to provide services to which they are entitled.

The nature of welcoming and expanded opportunities to welcome must become a STEP concern as soon as possible. STEP will pay attention to what sort of “New American Compact” could be fashioned including what content should be in such a compact and to examine how such a strategy could reach the attention of the maximum number of communities so that citizen organizations or local governments could adopt it. This compact would not simply be a statement of general principles. This compact would establish the intention of the community and region to provide specific education, enterprise development and other government services to these immigrants.

The highest STEP priority will be access to education and training systems. Adult basic education courses (connected either with K-12 systems or community and technical colleges) are often the entry point into the education system for an immigrant with language issues or seeking to improve her or his income. Policies shaping these programs have been inadequate. Students often leave them with no increase in earnings potential. STEP will focus on policy approaches that will most change this situation.

STEP must also confront the government cost concerns that are souring the willingness of policymakers to serve the needs of both documented and undocumented immigrants. In some cases, immigrant populations are easing problems caused by tight labor markets and helping to generate new levels of economic vitality. STEP will work to make certain that the understanding of these benefits influences policy development.

Other STEP interests include:

• Access of immigrant populations to capital for enterprise development.
• The adequacy of non-profit organizations in connecting immigrant populations with governmental services.