Detroit named 10th most welcoming city for immigrants

Detroit is one of the most welcoming cities in America for immigrants, according to a new study released by advocacy organization the New American Economy.

Detroit ranked at No. 10 on NAE's Cities Index, which measures local policies and socioeconomic outcomes across the 100 largest cities in the United States. Detroit earned a 3.78 out of 5.00 overall score, and was especially lauded for quality of life, economic empowerment, and job opportunities, which all earned scores of 5.00 out of 5.00. The city only earned 2.00 out of 5.00 in civic participation for immigrants, however.

The generous ranking coincides with the announcement of Detroit's inaugural Welcoming Week, a series of celebrations from Sept. 17-21 in honor of Detroit’s diverse immigrant communities, especially the Latino, Arab, Caribbean, African, Chinese, and Bangladeshi communities.

Detroit's Welcoming Week is hosted by Detroit City Council member Raquel Castañeda-López, who applauded the ranking.

"I grew up in a Detroit where immigrant, refugee and lifelong Detroiters lived side by side, working, playing and breaking bread together — a Detroit that was welcoming to all," she says in a press release. "While the city is rapidly changing, this fact hasn't changed."

"Now more than ever, it is important to celebrate and reaffirm our commitment to welcoming and protecting our immigrant and refugee brothers and sisters," she says.

You can see the full study, including methodology, here.

Will Feuer is a fall intern with Metro Times.

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