Fort Wayne organizations say immigrants and refugees are 'essential' to growth and vibrancy

Last year, I (Kara) reported on Allen County leaders developing a "Welcomin Plan" for immigrants and refugees through the Gateways for Growth initiative led by Amani Family Services, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and Downtown Fort Wayne. The plan includes a report called New Americans in Allen County, which outlines how immigrants and refugees are hitting above their weight-class in the local workforce, GDP and population.
Considering President Donald Trump's drastic first week of his second term, initiating his long-promised crackdown on immigration, I followed up with each of these local organizations for statements and updates about the value and status of Allen County's welcoming goals.
So far, GFW Inc. and Downtown have responded, noting that immigrants are "essential" to Allen County's growth and vibrancy, contributing 24% of our community’s population growth and owning 1,300 businesses.
Read their full statements here:
From Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
At Greater Fort Wayne Inc., we deeply value the vital contributions immigrants and refugees make to Allen County’s economy and community. They play a key role in strengthening our workforce, driving consumer spending, and fostering business growth. Notably, of the more than 10,000 businesses in Allen County, 1,300 are owned and operated by immigrants and refugees. Additionally, many immigrants and refugees fill critical positions in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and hospitality.
While immigration remains a complex and sensitive topic on a national scale, we are focused on creating local solutions that promote economic growth for all residents. We remain committed to addressing barriers to employment, education, and entrepreneurship throughout the community.
Immigrants are essential to the growth and vibrancy of Fort Wayne and Allen County, contributing 24% of our community’s population growth. They play a critical role in key industries such as manufacturing, construction, and hospitality, driving entrepreneurship and generating significant tax revenues. By addressing social, cultural, and economic barriers, we strive to ensure that all residents—including immigrants and refugees—have equitable access to resources and opportunities, making Fort Wayne a thriving and inclusive community for everyone.
From Downtown Fort Wayne:
Downtown Fort Wayne is proud to collaborate on the Gateways for Growth initiative alongside our partners at Amani Family Services and Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Together, we are implementing the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan to integrate immigrants and refugees into our community. Through this plan, we aim to:
- Celebrate the contributions of immigrants and refugees, highlighting their vital cultural, social, and economic impact.
- Foster a welcoming, equitable community by empowering and engaging immigrant residents.
- Align immigrant interests with civic leadership to promote inclusion, representation, and collaboration in decision-making.
Four key priorities guide our efforts:
- Connected Communities and Public Safety: Building trust and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Civic Engagement: Encouraging leadership and participation in community life.
- Economic Development: Expanding opportunities in workforce development and entrepreneurship.
- Education: Partnering to provide language support and educational resources for immigrant families.
We remain committed to working with community leaders and stakeholders to implement these strategies and build a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant Fort Wayne for everyone.
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