From Symbolic Inclusion to Institutional Transformation: The Certified Welcoming Framework and Immigrant Incorporation

• In Event: International Migration Section Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): 10. Immigrant integration/assimilation

Abstract

This study proposes an exploratory case study focused on Salt Lake City's Certified Welcoming designation, integrating (1) a review of policy documents and public reports related to the certification process for a city to qualify as a participant in the Welcoming America program, (2) analysis of the current literature regarding the challenges faced by immigrants, (3) a proposed next phase involving interviews with community stakeholders and immigrant-serving organizations. This paper examines whether and how municipal-level inclusion policies within programs such as Welcoming America operate as mechanisms that help shapeimmigrant experiences, in relation to social belonging.

Author

• Erick Faro, Brigham Young University-Hawaii