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• Immigration and its Impact on Diversity Part 3

Immigration and its Impact on Diversity (Part 3)

written on June 13, 2011 by Tameka Taylor

In the last 2 posts, I have discussed 10 myths about immigration.  They include: 1) Most immigrants are here illegally; 2) It's just as easy to enter the country legally today as it was when my ancestors arrived; 3) There’s a way to enter the country legally for anyone who wants to get in line; 4) My ancestors learned English, but today’s immigrants refuse; 5) Today’s immigrants don’t want to blend in and become “Americanized.”; 6) Immigrants take good jobs from Americans; 7) Undocumented immigrants bring crime; 8) Undocumented immigrants don’t pay taxes but still get benefits; 9) The United States is being overrun by immigrants like never before; and 10) Anyone who enters the country illegally is a criminal.

As business owners, we have a responsibility to make our environments inclusive, respectful, and welcoming for all including immigrants.  We have an obligation to do that for our employees, vendors and clients.  One of the takeaways from the myths I presented is not to stereotype or profile individuals based on where they come from.  It’s easy to get these images and ideas in our heads and not check them out to see if they are the truth.  It’s quite simple to hear of one situation and then make it a universal experience for all people who fit into that category. It is important to take the time to examine your own perceptions and stereotypes.  Often these stereotypes lead to racial profiling. It’s critical as business owners, not to set up policies and procedures that are based on racial profiling. 

As a business owner, if we want to maximize our employee resources we have to create atmospheres where people can be innovative and creative.  Immigrants bring different perspectives and experiences to our businesses that can beneficial to us, our products and services.  We have to provide them with adequate support because they may have some different needs than other employees.

Communication becomes crucial in this relationship as well.  Many immigrants speak and understand English better than many Americans that were born here.  Sometimes due to the language barriers or accents, it may require you to listen more carefully.  However, don’t get frustrated and start talking loud or slow as if that’s the problem.  In this communication process, you will begin to create relationships both personally and professionally that will allow you to grow. 

As a region, if we want to grow and be vibrant then we have to Globalize Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.  That means we have to make Cleveland a welcoming community for people who are not currently members of our community or from America.  There are so many talents that these individuals can contribute to your organization and our community as a whole, given the opportunity. This includes finding ways to welcome the spouse and family of those moving to our community for work purposes. 

Remember like every other employee that you have, immigrants are capable and talented.  They will assist in bringing perspectives that may be different than your current employees into the business that might attract new clients and create new products.  Like everyone, immigrants want to be supported, included, valued and respected for who they are and in return they will be productive, loyal employees for you. I challenge you when an opportunity is presented to you to hire an immigrant, give that person an opportunity and watch your business grow in ways and markets that it hasn’t in the past.