National League of Cities to Help Promote Successful Immigrant Integration in Indianapolis

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Apr 01, 2010, 04:00 ET

WASHINGTON, April 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National League of Cities (NLC) is partnering with the city of Indianapolis, Ind., and the International Center of Indianapolis to promote immigrant integration throughout the city of Indianapolis. Supported by the Knight Foundation, NLC's Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration (MAII) project is a resource for city officials and community-based organizations to address immigrant challenges in their community by promoting civic engagement and naturalization among immigrant communities.

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MAII's NewCITYzen Naturalization Campaign will work with the city to highlight the benefits of naturalization. MAII provides cities with a campaign toolkit, including outreach material and public service announcements, to help launch naturalization campaigns.

"The National League of Cities is pleased to collaborate with the City of Indianapolis and the International Center of Indianapolis on the NewCITYzen Naturalization Campaign," said Ricardo Gambetta, Manager of Immigrant Integration Programs for the National League of Cities. "Promoting citizenship and naturalization strengthens the community, as well as the country as a whole. Our experience is that strong community involvement by immigrant residents ensures a more stable community and maximizes the benefits that immigrants can bring to a city."

"One of the pillars of strength for Indianapolis is its diversity," said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. "My administration is fully committed to making its immigrants future citizens of our great city in every sense of the word."

While immigrants increase the workforce, bring greater diversity and new world awareness to Indianapolis, the city faces challenges to ensure these residents experience a smooth transition to their new home. Strong community involvement by immigrants ensures a more stable community, reduces crime and poverty and maximizes the social, economic and cultural benefits of the immigrant community.

"The International Center is proud to be a partner in this significant effort," said Diane G. Thomas, President and CEO of the International Center. "This work reminds us all that Indianapolis is a city that attracts international activity and welcomes the contributions of our multinational community."

In August of last year, NLC published a report, Municipal Innovations in Immigrant Integration: American Cities Series, detailing Indianapolis' experiences responding to the challenges posed by a nearly 300 percent increase in the city's Latino population. The view that report, visit http://www.nlc.org/ASSETS/2480CFC94CAB423AA6234B9735ADA148/MAIIAmericanCities_Indianapolis.pdf.

For more information on MAII, please visit http://www.nlc.org/RESOURCES_FOR_CITIES/PROGRAMS___SERVICES/MAII/aboutmaii.aspx

The International Center of Indianapolis works to strengthen Indiana's global connections by providing organizations with the insight and tools to more effectively work in an international environment. Programs include training for global competency, protocol services, assisting new international residents and visitors in learning about local resources, and connection with emerging leaders from other countries through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the U.S. Department of State.

The National League of Cities is the nation's oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.

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SOURCE National League of Cities