For Employers
Immigration is well-recognized for its contribution to economic development in today's cities. Immigration fuels economic development, acts as a catalyst for international trade and investment, and enriches our cultural landscape. Immigrants provide labor, revitalize urban corridors, strengthen real estate submarkets and serve as a basis for foreign trade and investment. With immigration accounting for more than half of the population growth over the last decade, it is one of the most important factors for enhancing globalization.
In the Philadelphia region, 11% of the total population are immigrants. The staff at the Welcoming Center recognize the human capital that exists in this region and we strive to be the bridge between immigrant employees and the employers in this region.
The biggest employment challenge for immigrants is finding work that is commensurate with their experiences. Too often, we encounter immigrants who have been highly educated in their birth country and who have numerous years of work experience, yet are unable to find jobs in their particular field of training. Oftentimes, in desperation, they choose to work in menial jobs to survive in this country. Always, our clients, the New Americans, would rather work than subsist on government aid.
Did You Know...
75% of immigrants choose destination cities based on already having family members in the area. This bodes well for attracting foreign-owned firms to the region and for increasing direct foreign investment which, over the past decade, has been one of the key factors of economic growth in Greater Philadelphia.
