The story of Western New York’s past would include volumes on immigration.
Understanding that is a key to the region’s future.
That was the consensus of panelists who appeared Friday at Seneca One tower’s auditorium for an event meant to inform the community about immigration’s impact on local businesses, economy and communities.
The Buffalo News organized the event that featured Wooksoo Kim, an associate professor of social work at the University at Buffalo; Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, executive director of the International Institute of Buffalo; Darren Saxon, director of the Office of New Americans in Buffalo; and Bob Confer, owner of Confer Plastics in North Tonawanda.
The discussion was moderated by Jerry Zremski, longtime Washington Bureau reporter for The News who is also a lecturer at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland.
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This discussion was part of the “Growing Western New York’s Economy through New American Talent” event hosted for local employers by the talent recruitment platform Joblio.
The panelists touched on a variety of topics, including the history of immigration in the United States and its effect on the economy here and across the nation. They also highlighted the opportunities and challenges faced by both the employers and the immigrants, the border crisis in the Southern United States and how it impacts legal immigration, before discussing the policy issues and the federal approach to dealing with immigration.
Rizzo-Choi’s insights were mainly focused on differentiating between the legal statuses of people new to the workforce. She also criticized Congress for failing to adequately address decisions affecting immigration policy.
“They need to overhaul the immigration system,” she added.
Saxon noted that the influx of immigrants changed Buffalo for the better.
“Immigrants and refugees want the same thing that you want – the opportunity to have a better life,” he added, emphasizing how these communities bring unique diversity to the city.
Confer said he is big on educating, engaging, employing and empathizing with the immigrant population.
“Refugees have been a godsend for us,” he said of both his company and the region. According to Confer, the skills they learn overseas benefit the company, in addition to their work ethic and dedication to the company.
Kim mentioned several challenges refugees and asylum-seekers face, including language barrier skills, mental health issues, inability to devote time to attending language classes and racial discrimination.
“Be curious,” she advised attendees, encouraging them to immerse themselves in other cultures and engage immigrants to make the region more inclusive.