Immigrant Integration Task Force Meeting
October 28, 2014
The Belmont Center
700 Parkwood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
MINUTES
Attendance:
Task Force Members: Diego Anselmo, Nancy Carter, Keri Carver, Mariana De Luca,
Gautam Desai, Steven Garfinkel, Daniel Hernandez, Mo Idlibby, Stefan Latorre, Thanh-Thu
Luong, Marianne Lyall-Knusel, Victoria Manning, Amy Michelone, Jennifer Pearsall, Jennifer
Roberts, Wil Russell, Kristin Wade, Curt White, Lacey Williams, Emily Zimmern
City Staff: Alexis Gordon, Krystal King
Absent: Monica Colin, Ellen Dubin, Owen Furuseth, Omar Jorge, Anika Khan, Tin Nguyen,
Robert Shore, Kim Vazquez, Sam Wazan
1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
Mr. Latorre (Chair) called the meeting to order at 3:16 p.m.
Mr. Latorre presented the September 23, 2014, meeting minutes to be voted on. Mr. Desai
requested the following paragraph,
Mr. Desai, also on the Community Engagement Working Group, explained that he
and Ms. Carter tried to navigate all the various resources and city and county
departments to see if they could find the information that immigrants might be
looking for and this was very complicated.
be revised to
Mr. Desai, also on the Community Engagement Working Group, explained that he
and Ms. Carter tried to navigate all the various resources and city and county
departments to see if they could find the information that immigrants might be
looking for. This was very complicated because the underlying relationships
between departments are not coordinated and some synergies need to be created.
Mr. Garfinkel moved to approve the minutes with this revision. Ms. Roberts seconded the
motion. All voted in favor. The motion carried.
1
2. Where We Are Today
Mr. Latorre gave an overview of the survey results to date (see Appendix A for PowerPoint
presentation) and reviewed the following handouts:
 Responses to Question 1, “What is your country of birth?” (Appendix B);
 Responses by each language for the remaining questions (Appendix C);
 Responses to Question 36, which is an open-ended question (Appendix D); and
 The phone survey results as of October 24, 2014 (Appendix E).
With regard to the responses for Question 36, Ms. Gordon explained that she is codifying
each response so that it can be quantified and she is still in the process of doing this. The
handout (Appendix D) contains the raw data, which is written verbatim, so some of the
responses may be harder to understand due to language barriers. So far, the most common
responses are driver’s licenses and job-related comments. She also pointed out that the
responses highlighted in yellow are ones that she is not yet sure how to codify and the ones
highlighted in red are those of survey respondents who identified as being born in the
United States.
With regard to the phone survey (Appendix E), over 10,000 calls have been made but only
70 English and 18 Spanish surveys have been completed. The phone survey will be
completed by next month’s meeting and the results will be presented at that time.
3. Working Group Updates
Ms. Zimmern explained that the majority of today’s meeting would be used for the Working
Groups to work on their recommendations. Next month, each Working Group will present
their proposed recommendations to the entire Task Force. She then directed the Task
Force members’ attention to the handout entitled Worksheet 2 – Testing
Recommendations (see Appendix F). She reminded the Task Force of the two sets of
criteria that each recommendation should be filtered through: the SMART Test and the
Guiding Principles.
While there is not a specific number of recommendations that each Working Group must
develop, they should prioritize their recommendations to determine their top two or three
for the short-, medium-, and long-term timeframes.
Ms. Zimmern dismissed the Working Groups to work on their recommendations.
4. Working Group Updates, Member Updates, and Closing
Mr. Russell of the Economic Development Working Group reported that they have 12
recommendations, and are working on narrowing these down and filtering them through
the criteria. Many of their recommendations overlap with one or more of the other
Working Groups’ recommendations. The first recommendation they are developing is the
creation of an Office of New Americans, which the group believes involves all sectors
2
(education, transportation, public safety, housing, healthcare, and civic engagement). Their
next step is to look into how such an office would be funded and staffed, and how to ensure
that Charlotte can become a leader in this nationwide movement to create such an office.
A second recommendation is to create a “Shop Local Campaign.” Many small businesses are
owned by immigrants, and such a campaign would help them be more successful. The
campaign would not only focus on raising awareness that these businesses exist, but also
encourage the businesses to support each other and purchase their own supplies locally.
A third recommendation is to develop a branded “International District” in east Charlotte.
Ms. Zimmern of the Civic Engagement and Receiving Communities Working Group
commented that it is interesting that the ideas that are emerging are so similar, and the
idea of an ombudsman or office is one that her group has been working on. The main
challenge is where such an entity should be located within city government. This is
something that the Task Force as a whole will have to discuss before presenting such a
recommendation to City Council.
Ms. Carter asked if there is a way for each group to share their ideas so that the whole Task
Force is aware of what each group is working on. Ms. Gordon reminded them that anything
announced in a meeting is public information, but that information shared amongst the
Chairs of each Working Group is not considered a decision or a meeting and is, thus, not
considered public information. Mr. Latorre asked the Working Group Chairs to email their
recommendations to Ms. Zimmern and him.
Ms. Zimmern then explained that once the Task Force decides on its recommendations –
the “what” and “how” – to the city, it will need to discuss the “why” in order to persuade
City Council and the City Manager of their importance and to implement them.
Ms. Pearsall stated that the Education Working Group would like to see the city implement
programs that support children from “cradle to career.” This includes more prekindergarten programs, access to programs for all immigrants, aligning English as a Second
Language programs with workforce development needs, educating the Charlotte
community and service providers on the importance of reaching out to the immigrant
community, building the capacity of schools to meet the needs of immigrant students and
their families, addressing the high dropout rate of new English learners, engaging
immigrants to get their GEDs, and developing more mentorship programs for students.
The Education Working Group had also discussed some policy recommendations, but was
unsure if they were allowed to make such recommendations. For example, they are
interested in recommending in-state university tuition for undocumented students and
that universities prepare more teachers to work with new English learners. Ms. Gordon
responded that the Task Force is welcome to recommend policy initiatives because City
Council can partner with other organizations, such as Mecklenburg County, the Charlotte
Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and others, to implement them.
3
Mr. Latorre stated that the Public Safety’s main focus is the municipal ID, as they believe
that this one item will address a large number of the immigrant community’s needs. The
group is currently discussing how to implement such an ID, the partners that would be
needed to make it valued by all Charlotte residents and not just immigrants, and the costs
associated with implementing a municipal ID. Ms. Gordon outlined which cities she
contacted about their costs for implementing a municipal ID and that she had exhausted
her leads. Mr. Latorre asked her to send him the contact information for the individuals she
reached out to so that he could follow up with them.
Ms. Michelone of the Healthcare Working Group reported that they have six
recommendations that fall under four major umbrellas. These four umbrellas include:
1. Educational opportunities regarding healthcare and insurance options
2. Promoting advocacy for Medicaid expansion and streamlining the process to receive
Medicaid
3. Creating a multi-agency meeting with key players in the healthcare industry to plan
for and address the needs of refugees coming to Charlotte
4. Increasing the number of bilingual professionals in City and County government
Ms. Roberts of the Housing and Transportation Working Group stated that one of their
main recommendations is language and cultural competency training for all government
employees. She commented that the County implemented a mental health training program
for police and sheriff’s deputies, which had a tremendous impact on the professionalism of
the police force, reduction in aggression toward offenders, and reduction in the number of
people in jail.
Other ideas include the creation of a symbol that designates “welcoming places for new
Americans,” similar to the “safe place” symbols found at certain locations around the city
and advocacy on the use of bicycles and routes since many immigrants use this form of
transportation. With regard to housing, the group is looking into the idea of pre-inspections
and proactively teaching both tenants and landlords about their rights.
Ms. Pearsall then informed the Task Force about her recent trip to Washington, DC. She was
invited by Welcoming America to speak at a Welcoming Schools conference, which
discussed building a framework of what “welcoming schools” can look like. The film I Speak
American was screened at the conference and she proposed the idea of bringing the film to
Charlotte.
Due to upcoming holidays, the Task Force agreed to move the next two meetings to
November 20, 2014, and December 18, 2014. They will still be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
and the location will be determined.
Ms. Zimmern reminded the Task Force to have their recommendations prioritized and
organized according to whether they are short-, medium-, or long-term goals. Ms. Gordon
asked them to send her their recommendations so that she can put them in the PowerPoint
presentation for next month’s meeting.
Mr. Latorre closed the meeting at 5:24 p.m.
4
Appendix A:
October 28, 2014, Immigrant Integration Task Force Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
5
Immigrant Integration Task Force Update
October 28, 2014
Immigrant Integration Survey
Survey will close at 9am on November 17, 2014
Released in 10 Languages
• English, Spanish, German, French,
Russian, Hindi, Gujarati, Arabic,
Vietnamese, & Chinese
102 Nations
25%
7%
1426
Responses
Feel Welcomed
• 83% Agree/Strongly Agree that
Charlotte is welcoming to people
born in other countries
6.3%
5.1%
4.5%
Immigrant Integration Survey
Phone Survey Results (as of 10/24/14)
English Dials
Spanish Dials
Language Barrier
122
1.16%
18
5.01%
Schedule Callback
134
1.28%
12
3.34%
2
0.02%
0
0.00%
70
0.67%
18
5.01%
10473
100.00%
359
100.00%
Terminate – Refused Country
Completes (Quota = 250)
TOTAL DIALS
Immigrant Integration Task Force
List recommendations by priority in the first column and check the box when a SMART criteria or a Guiding Principle is met.
Working Group: ______________________________________
Criteria
SMART Test
Well-Being
of All
Economic
growth
Connection
Inclusion
Equitable
Access
Time-Bound
Resourced
Achievable
Measureable
Example: Creating a Municipal ID
Specific
Recommendation
Guiding Principles
Immigrant Integration Task Force
Closing
Next Meeting
•
Tuesday, November 25,
3:00-5:00 p.m.
The Belmont Center
700 Parkwood Ave.
More Information
•
www.CharlotteInternational.org
Appendix B: Survey Question 1 Responses
What is your country of birth?
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Banladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia
Brazil
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cote d'ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Democratic Republic of Congo
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Ertirea
Ethiopa
Finland
France
Germany
Total
3
2
2
4
5
2
1
1
1
8
1
7
30
3
2
14
1
1
8
6
32
70
5
6
1
2
36
1
21
33
4
77
21
7
1
12
19
English
3
2
2
4
4
2
1
1
1
6
7
30
2
2
13
1
8
4
16
42
1
6
1
1
23
1
12
8
3
40
21
7
1
9
15
Spanish
1
1
1
2
28
4
1
9
25
37
-
Arabic
1
-
French Chinese
1
1
16
13
3
-
11
Gujarati
-
Russian
2
-
Hindi
-
German
4
Veitnamese %
0.3%
0.2%
0.2%
0.4%
0.5%
0.2%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
0.7%
0.1%
0.6%
2.7%
0.3%
0.2%
1.3%
0.1%
0.1%
0.7%
0.5%
2.9%
6.3%
0.5%
0.5%
0.1%
0.2%
3.3%
0.1%
1.9%
3.0%
0.4%
7.0%
1.9%
0.6%
0.1%
1.1%
1.7%
What is your country of birth?
Ghana
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea
Kosovo
Laos
Lebanon
Malawi
Malaysia
Mali
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Montserrat British West Indies
Myanmar
Nicaragua
Pakistan
Palestine
Panama
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Russia
Saudi Aribia
Total
1
33
13
57
1
50
3
6
5
5
10
1
7
5
1
1
2
2
16
1
1
2
1
277
1
7
1
7
8
2
1
1
39
2
3
1
4
4
1
English
1
21
11
16
1
49
3
6
4
5
10
7
4
1
2
2
16
1
1
2
131
1
5
1
7
4
2
1
1
17
2
3
4
3
1
Spanish
12
41
1
146
4
22
-
Arabic
1
1
-
French
2
1
-
12
Chinese
-
Gujarati
-
Russian
1
2
1
-
Hindi
1
-
German
1
-
Veitnamese %
0.1%
3.0%
1.2%
5.1%
0.1%
4.5%
0.3%
0.5%
0.5%
0.5%
0.9%
0.1%
0.6%
0.5%
0.1%
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
1.4%
0.1%
0.1%
0.2%
0.1%
25.0%
0.1%
0.6%
0.1%
0.6%
0.7%
0.2%
0.1%
0.1%
3.5%
0.2%
0.3%
0.1%
0.4%
0.4%
0.1%
What is your country of birth?
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Slovakia
Somalia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sudan
Sweden
Syria
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
The Netherlands
Togo
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Uruguay
USSR/CCCP
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Total
1
1
2
2
25
4
4
6
1
2
2
1
2
1
12
2
1
8
19
3
1
3
17
42
1
English
1
1
2
2
25
4
3
6
1
1
2
1
2
1
11
2
1
8
19
3
6
42
1
Spanish
1
3
11
-
United States of America
56
53
2
Answered POB minus US
Taken survey
minus US
1,193
1,482
1,426
875
822
550
548
Arabic
1
-
French
1
-
-
1
4
23
22
13
Chinese
-
-
16
Gujarati
-
-
Russian Hindi
1
-
-
1
-
7
German
-
-
1
Veitnamese %
0.1%
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
2.3%
0.4%
0.4%
0.5%
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
0.1%
0.2%
0.1%
1.1%
0.2%
0.1%
0.7%
1.7%
0.3%
0.1%
0.3%
1.5%
3.8%
0.1%
-
5
-
Appendix C: Responses to Remaining Survey Questions by Language
English
Spanish
Arabic
French
Chinese
Gujarati
Russian
Hindi
German
Veitnamese
Total
% all
% Span
2. How long have you lived in the US?
Less than 2 years
2 to 5 years
6 to 10 years
11 to 20 years
More than 20 years
Total Responses
198
143
151
181
110
61
57
167
214
46
2
0
0
0
1
10
6
4
0
3
4
3
3
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
2
3
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
1
0
0
0
0
1
277
213
326
399
168
1383
20%
15%
24%
29%
12%
11%
10%
31%
39%
8%
545
3. Primary reason to move to Charlotte:
Job transferred to Charlotte
Relocated to accept a new job
Seeking better quality of life
To attend school
To be near family or friends
Settled in Charlotte with a refugee agency
Other (please specify)
Total Responses
103
98
219
62
145
48
82
20
26
395
16
51
3
31
0
0
2
0
1
1
0
3
2
14
1
1
1
1
3
2
4
1
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
3
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
132
130
636
80
208
55
115
1356
10%
10%
47%
6%
15%
4%
8%
4%
5%
73%
3%
9%
1%
6%
542
4. Highest level of eductaion:
Less than high school
High School Diploma or equivalent
Vocational Degree
2 year (Associate's) Degree
College (Bachelor's) Degree
Master's Degree
Professional Degree
Doctorate Degree
Total Responses
180
153
17
46
151
117
27
31
185
179
38
35
61
7
17
2
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
3
5
0
12
0
0
0
3
3
0
1
2
3
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
2
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
371
341
62
83
234
129
44
36
1300
29%
26%
5%
6%
18%
10%
3%
3%
35%
34%
7%
7%
12%
1%
3%
0%
524
5. What is your employment status?
Own my own business
Working full time for pay
Working part time for pay
Working as a volunteer
Unemployed, looking for paid work
Unemployed, not looking for paid work
Attending school
Stay at home parent
Retired
Disabled
78
297
123
47
101
38
139
76
34
16
35
154
87
32
79
32
114
198
4
7
0
0
1
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
7
7
0
2
0
5
3
0
0
0
6
1
1
1
2
3
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
1
0
1
0
5
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
2
3
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
118
470
221
82
186
72
266
281
41
23
9%
35%
16%
6%
14%
5%
20%
21%
3%
2%
7%
29%
16%
6%
15%
6%
21%
37%
1%
1%
Total Responses
759
537
4
22
16
0
7
1
5
1
1352
14
537
English
Spanish
Arabic
French
Chinese
Gujarati
Russian
Hindi
German
Veitnamese
Total
6. Where did you find information or assistance about starting or purchasing a business?
I asked someone else who had already started a business
39
11
Internet search
28
4
City or County staff member
1
3
City or County website
5
3
Community organization(s)
8
4
Legal services
8
2
I could not find the information or help that I needed
12
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
53
35
4
9
12
10
15
Total Responses
75
25
0
1
0
1
1
0
2
0
138
7. Category that best describes occupation:
Office/Administrative
Cleaning and maintenance
Construction
Food preparation, restaurant, or hotel
Health care
Legal services
Manufacturing
Military, Police or Fire
Sales and retail
Science, Technology, Engineering or Math
Social or Educational services
Transportation
Total Responses
56
49
38
61
28
10
30
3
36
51
72
11
25
71
47
38
13
5
20
0
20
4
10
5
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
3
1
1
0
0
0
2
0
3
1
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
85
123
86
102
41
15
53
3
60
62
87
16
733
% all
38%
25%
3%
7%
9%
7%
11%
% Span
44%
16%
12%
12%
16%
8%
12%
25
12%
17%
12%
14%
6%
2%
7%
0%
8%
8%
12%
2%
10%
28%
18%
15%
5%
2%
8%
0%
8%
2%
4%
2%
258
8. Next we want to learn a little bit more about the alignment between your training and education and your employment status. Please select the statement below that best describes how you feel about
your current situation. Select only one.
My job is in line with my training and education.
254
119
0
4
5
0
0
0
5
0
387
55%
48%
There are no jobs available that match my training and education.
36
19
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
58
8%
8%
I don’t have the skills needed for available jobs.
50
25
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
77
11%
10%
My degree and/or certification(s) are not recognized here.
50
57
1
4
0
0
2
0
0
0
114
16%
23%
Jobs are available in my field but I have not been selected for them.
41
26
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
70
10%
11%
Total Responses
706
246
9. I feel connected to the/an immigrant community in Charlotte.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Total Responses
38
154
341
95
24
39
270
186
0
0
4
0
3
2
13
0
15
0
4
9
2
0
0
0
0
3
1
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
1
3
1
0
0
1
0
68
202
641
286
1197
6%
17%
54%
24%
5%
8%
52%
36%
519
English
Spanish
Arabic
French
Chinese
Gujarati
Russian
Hindi
German
Veitnamese
Total
% all
% Span
10. I feel connected to the Charlotte community as a whole.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Total Responses
18
144
388
83
28
48
299
142
0
0
4
0
3
3
11
1
0
4
9
2
0
0
0
0
3
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
3
2
0
0
1
0
52
202
715
231
1200
4%
17%
60%
19%
5%
9%
58%
27%
517
11. I have opportunities to participate in community matters.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Total Responses
26
178
349
75
39
84
290
97
0
0
2
1
2
5
10
1
0
4
7
2
0
0
0
0
3
0
3
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
2
0
0
1
0
70
271
666
178
1185
6%
23%
56%
15%
8%
16%
57%
19%
510
12. Local elected officials are responsive to my/my community’s needs and concerns.
Strongly Disagree
40
77
Disagree
194
204
Agree
321
190
Strongly Agree
52
29
Total Responses
1
1
2
0
1
3
11
0
1
5
6
1
0
0
0
0
2
1
1
2
0
0
1
0
1
2
1
0
0
1
0
0
123
411
533
84
1151
11%
36%
46%
7%
15%
41%
38%
6%
500
13. I am satisfied with the overall customer service provided by local government employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.)
Strongly Disagree
25
68
0
1
1
0
Disagree
99
120
1
2
3
0
Agree
398
261
3
10
8
0
Strongly Agree
84
67
0
2
2
0
Total Responses
0
1
3
2
0
0
1
0
0
1
3
1
0
0
1
0
95
227
688
158
1168
8%
19%
59%
14%
13%
23%
51%
13%
516
0
4
0
260
23%
16%
0
0
2
3
0
0
282
131
24%
11%
25%
8%
0
1
0
2
2
1
0
0
1
105
135
578
9%
12%
50%
6%
10%
54%
1
5
1
1154
14. Please indicate whether or not you or someone in your household has done each of the following in the last 12 months. Check all that apply.
Attended a neighborhood meeting (neighborhood or homeowners’
association, Neighborhood Watch, etc.)
169
79
0
3
4
0
1
Contacted government staff (in-person, phone, email or web) for help
or information
148
122
2
4
1
0
3
Attended or watched a local public meeting
85
37
0
1
5
0
0
Contacted local elected officials (in-person, phone, email or web) to
express your opinion
74
27
0
0
2
0
0
Reported a crime to the police in Charlotte
80
49
0
2
0
0
1
None of the above
277
259
2
6
8
0
0
Total Responses
627
483
4
13
16
15
0
5
483
English Spanish Arabic French Chinese Gujarati Russian Hindi German Veitnamese
15. In this country, are you part of any of the following groups: Check all that apply.
A religious/spiritual community or place of worship
343
314
2
11
3
0
2
0
1
1
A political party
38
4
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
A trade organization
39
21
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
A cultural organization
121
23
0
3
2
0
1
0
3
0
A non-profit service organization
132
58
0
1
3
0
1
0
3
0
A social club
77
18
0
1
4
0
1
0
2
0
A neighborhood organization
104
19
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
A Parent-Teacher Association or other school group
96
56
0
1
1
0
2
1
0
0
A recreational sports league
72
40
1
1
2
0
3
0
1
0
Total
677
43
61
153
198
103
126
157
120
% all
68%
4%
6%
15%
20%
10%
13%
16%
12%
% Span
78%
1%
5%
6%
14%
4%
5%
14%
10%
Total Responses
552
402
3
16
13
0
5
1
5
1
998
16. Do you have children living at home?
Yes
No
Total Responses
342
273
388
122
3
1
12
6
4
11
0
0
3
4
1
0
3
1
1
0
757
418
1175
64%
36%
76%
24%
510
17.I feel confident working with teachers and school staff to help my child be successful in school.
Strongly Disagree
4
12
0
Disagree
28
16
0
Agree
148
126
2
Strongly Agree
110
200
1
N/A: My child is not enrolled in school
59
40
0
Total Responses
0
0
6
4
1
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
2
1
0
0
1
0
0
16
44
289
318
103
770
2%
6%
38%
41%
13%
3%
4%
32%
51%
10%
394
18. I am satisfied with the opportunities that are available to me to be involved in my child’s school.
Strongly Disagree
2
32
0
Disagree
26
56
0
Agree
165
139
3
Strongly Agree
92
119
0
N/A: My child is not enrolled in school
60
40
0
Total Responses
0
0
7
3
1
0
0
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
2
1
0
0
1
0
0
34
82
320
218
104
758
4%
11%
42%
29%
14%
8%
15%
36%
31%
10%
386
19. Do any of your children work outside the home to help support your family?
Yes
68
No, my child is of working age but does not work outside the home to
help support the family
49
No
231
Total Responses
402
43
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
113
17%
14%
53
201
2
1
1
8
0
3
0
0
0
1
0
1
2
1
0
1
107
448
668
16%
67%
18%
68%
297
17
English Spanish Arabic French Chinese Gujarati
20. Do you know of an association that helps immigrants, refugees or expatriates? If yes, please list them.
Alemannia Society
1
Alliance Francaise
1
American Turkish Association
1
Asian American Chamber of Commerce
2
1
British American Business Council
2
Bethesda Health Clinic
2
9
Big Brother Big Sister
1
Camino
1
Carolinas Hindu Center
2
Carolina's Refugee Resettlement Agency
15
3
Catholic Charities
19
CPCC
6
6
Crisis Assistance
3
Department of Social Services
1
Government Agencies
7
8
Haitian American Association
3
International House
46
16
1
IOM
1
Irish Society of Charlotte
2
Jewish Family Services
2
Latin American Coalition
70
147
LAWA
4
Legal Services of Souther Piedmont
LHCC
1
Mexican Conulate
Neighborhood Good Samaritan Center
1
No, do not know of any
147
123
9
4
Our Bridge
1
Refugee Support Services
Religious Organizations
25
19
Salvation Army
Southeast Asian Coalition
1
South Africans in Charlotte
Social Services
Senior Centers
2
SOS
TAGCA
1
USCIS
Venezuelans of the Carolinas
1
Yes, but did not list any
20
-
Total Responses
Russian
Hindi
German
Veitnamese
Total
% all
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
3
2
11
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
18
-
-
-
-
12
3
1
15
3
67
1
2
-
-
-
218
5
1
1
-
1
286
1
1
44
2
2
1
1
1
-
2
-
1
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
1
1
-
-
-
-
1
20
2
-
1
1
304
18
% Span
English
21. Charlotte is welcoming to people born in other countries.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Total Responses
Spanish
Arabic
French
Chinese
Gujarati
Russian
Hindi
German
Veitnamese
Total
% all
% Span
15
69
428
96
637
16
47
306
141
0
1
1
2
0
1
12
2
0
2
11
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
0
31
120
766
247
1164
3%
10%
66%
21%
3%
9%
60%
28%
510
13
86
365
149
16
80
297
118
0
0
3
1
0
2
11
2
0
0
14
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
3
0
0
0
1
29
168
697
277
1171
2%
14%
60%
24%
3%
16%
58%
23%
511
23.It is easy to get to the places I usually have to go (work, stores, school, etc.)
Strongly Disagree
29
Disagree
114
Agree
358
Strongly Agree
110
Total Responses
56
152
214
89
0
1
1
2
1
0
11
3
0
2
10
3
0
0
0
0
2
1
2
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
1
88
271
598
212
1169
8%
23%
51%
18%
11%
30%
42%
17%
511
24. I have affordable, quality housing available to me.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Total Responses
17
100
394
96
45
120
267
75
0
2
2
0
4
2
9
0
0
1
12
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
3
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
1
0
66
227
691
177
1161
6%
20%
60%
15%
9%
24%
53%
15%
507
25. I would recommend living in Charlotte to someone who asks.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Total Responses
10
41
400
159
10
30
302
166
0
1
2
1
0
1
12
1
0
0
8
7
0
0
0
0
2
0
3
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
1
22
73
730
339
1164
2%
6%
63%
29%
2%
6%
59%
33%
508
26. I have affordable, quality health care available to me.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Total Responses
64
176
282
86
40
125
245
89
0
2
2
0
2
7
5
1
1
4
10
0
0
0
0
0
3
1
2
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
3
0
0
0
0
1
110
316
550
178
1154
10%
27%
48%
15%
8%
25%
49%
18%
499
22. I feel safe in my neighborhood.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Total Responses
19
English
27.What is your primary mode of transportation? Select only one.
Own vehicle (car, truck, van, etc.)
Shared or borrowed vehicle (car, trruck, van, etc.)
Bus
Light rail
Walk or bike
Other
Total Responses
467
49
68
2
17
8
Spanish
329
80
72
3
15
4
Arabic
French
2
1
1
0
0
0
Chinese
7
2
6
0
0
0
Gujarati
13
0
1
0
1
0
Russian
0
0
0
0
0
0
28. Select the statements below that apply to how you and/or your family access and use health care in Charlotte. Check all that apply.
I have a primary care doctor/medical home
269
96
0
5
7
0
I get regular dental care
224
40
0
3
7
0
I have health insurance
330
110
1
5
10
0
I use a free/reduced cost health clinic
58
205
1
0
1
0
I don't go to the doctor because I can't afford it
100
152
2
6
1
0
I get regular preventive care (annual physical exam, well visits for
children, etc.)
179
58
0
2
1
0
I go to the hospital emergency room when I need medical care
111
76
1
5
0
0
I don’t get health care when I need it
67
36
0
0
1
0
Total Responses
Hindi
German
Veitnamese
Total
% all
% Span
3
1
2
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
826
133
151
5
33
13
1161
71%
11%
13%
0%
3%
1%
65%
16%
14%
1%
3%
1%
503
2
2
3
0
4
1
0
1
0
1
4
3
4
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
385
279
465
265
266
33%
24%
40%
23%
23%
19%
8%
22%
41%
30%
1
0
1
0
1
0
3
1
0
1
1
0
245
196
105
21%
17%
9%
12%
15%
7%
600
503
4
15
15
0
7
1
4
1
1150
408
211
2
6
10
0
6
1
4
1
649
59%
44%
18
3
14
111
9
12
4
24
9
13
157
33
34
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
3
0
1
0
0
0
1
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
43
14
29
273
44
47
4
1103
4%
1%
3%
25%
4%
4%
0%
5%
2%
3%
33%
7%
7%
0%
481
30. What financial services have you used here in Charlotte?
Savings account at a bank or credit union
Checking account at a bank or credit union
Received a loan from a bank or credit union
Check-cashing business
Received a loan from a friend or family member
Credit card issued in the United States
None of the above
313
372
117
27
23
225
95
196
219
58
35
17
88
129
1
1
0
0
0
1
1
3
7
0
0
1
2
4
8
6
1
1
0
8
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
4
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
4
4
1
2
0
3
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
0
530
614
178
65
42
333
232
48%
56%
16%
6%
4%
30%
21%
41%
45%
12%
7%
4%
18%
27%
Total Responses
575
483
4
13
15
0
5
1
4
1
1101
29. Where do you usually access the internet?
From a computer at home
From my own computer using public wi-fi (café, restaurant,
bookstore, etc.)
From a computer at a friend or neighbor’s house
From a computer at a library or community center
From my phone, anywhere
From my phone, using public wi-fi
I cannot access the internet
I do not want to access the internet
Total Responses
20
503
483
English
Spanish
Arabic
French
Chinese
Gujarati
Russian
Hindi
German
Veitnamese
Total
% all
% Span
31. In which category is your age?
18 to 24 years
25 to 34 years
35 to 44 years
45 to 54 years
55 to 64 years
65 years or older
Total Responses
71
155
160
107
65
49
52
200
153
68
25
10
0
0
1
3
0
0
2
4
2
5
1
1
1
5
1
4
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
1
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
127
366
320
188
98
62
1161
11%
32%
28%
16%
8%
5%
10%
39%
30%
13%
5%
2%
508
32. What is your gender?
Female
Male
Unspecified
Total Responses
368
222
3
397
108
0
1
2
0
9
5
1
11
4
0
1
0
0
4
3
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
1
0
793
346
4
1143
69%
30%
0%
79%
37%
0%
505
34. About how much does your household pay per month for rent plus utlities and other housing expenses?
Own your own home
70
20
0
3
Under $300
33
13
0
0
$300 to $499
30
19
0
0
$500 to $699
66
47
1
7
$700 to $999
132
133
2
4
$1000 to $1499
120
149
1
0
$1500 or more
139
111
0
1
Total Responses
5
0
1
2
1
3
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
103
47
50
123
272
275
258
1128
9%
4%
4%
11%
24%
24%
23%
4%
3%
4%
10%
27%
30%
23%
492
2
3
3
1
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
1
0
0
0
346
353
100
79
50
114
1042
33%
34%
10%
8%
5%
11%
36%
45%
10%
4%
2%
2%
469
35. About how much do you anticipate your household's total income will be for the current year?
Less than $20,000
163
170
3
$20,000 to $39,999
136
212
0
$40,000 to $59,999
49
47
0
$60,000 to $79,999
56
20
0
$80,000 to $99,999
40
10
0
$100,000 or more
96
10
0
5
1
0
0
0
0
21
Appendix D: Open-Ended Responses to Survey Question 36
Number Response Text
1 It is difficult for immigrants to find jobs in Charlotte. More opportunities in the community for jobs would
be good.
2 Tener mas confianzo para hlablar con los policias.
que las escuelas organicen mas reuniones para padres inmigrantes.
H.S. M.S.
3 Health insurance, Driver licenses, Less racism
4 driver licenses, less racism
5 More transportation, Health Insurance, Driver license, Not many papers to rent an apartment
6 Driver license; health insurance; safety; less racism
7
Transportation, Driver License, Insurance, I.D., No discrimination, More opportunities to buy a house
8 organization non profit, more transportation, more English classes, driver license, more school meetings,
better communication with police dept.
9 Driver licenses!
10 More buses - transportation;
Information in other languages
Public meetings (often)
11 More transportation ;Drivers license; Health insurance; Public meetings
12 Less discrimination from authority
13 Charlotte should work closer with the latin community, we are often not heard and are discriminated
against-by police or medical offices
14 No discrimination, licenses, dental insurance
15 Less discrimination
16 drivers license
17 work opportunites, ssn, health insurance
18 drivers license, ssn
19 more work opportunites
20 drivers license, ssn
21 drivers license
22 DRIVERS LICENSE
23 more work opportunities
24 drivers license
25 drivers licenses
26 drivers licenses
27 drivers license, more work opportunites
28 more work opportunites
29 drivers license
30 more work opportunities
31 more work opportunites
32 Health insurance, drivers licence, more work opportunities, give ssn, be more welcoming at cpcc
33 church
34 Grant them green card
35
Go to their clusters, neighborhoods, churches, etc. and get to know how they operate, think, feel, and live.
36 To let people know more about International House.
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37 Educate drivers. educate the community not to be so selfish and tell others about programs that can assist
in other issues.
38 we have all the resources we need. But most of the times we do not receive any services from agencies
because they only attend people with domestic violence issues. and the abuse or crime has to be recent
otherwise they turn you down
39 No, at this time.
40 help them find resources available to them, the where to go for help, training, jobs etc
41 Maybe make immigrant-specific events more high-profile.
42 Improve connectivity of public transportation.
43 Let in know to the citizens that USA was founded by people coming from abroad and the native american
people and that immigration is a healthy way to keep strong any country; of course regulations should be
implemented.
44 Publicizing opportunities to meet, community festivals and fairs...
45 about the drivers linced
46 ways to meet
47 issue licenses to anyone without checking the status
promoting health care alternatives for low income immigrants.
support a comprehensive immigration reform
48 i need insurance
49 Better transportation
50 Class and job
51 Yes, Charlotte can do to help immigrants
52 Health insurance and dental help.
53 More jobs.
54 give driver's licenses to the hispanic community
55 Theres alot of racism it needs to be fair
56 Give for all imigrants drivers license.
57 i hope everybody are legal in charlotte everybody have drive lincense
58 Job
Driver lisence
free english languge lerning
59 create more free education programs
60 MORE EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR PEOPLE DIDN'T COME TO THE SCHOOL IN THEIR COUNTRIES
61 Festivals
62 house cheap
63 Respect people, Needs to educate people in public Relation and Service customer
64 giving licenses
65 yes
66 health care
67 To adjust the status of immigrants and help them to get their green card and citizinship
68 Maybe more festival and party can help.
69 Integrations of American communities and their cultures among others.
70 GET JOB.
71 get the job
72 How to learn English and Jobs
73 yes
74 work and medicin
75 gettaing a work
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My neighbor help for my the city clean i like better stily de live
get a job
get a job
I wont to learn how to drive a car.
I can help to they in any things
to work in charlotte
I FEEL GREAT
Getting a work permit,It will be good for us.
Help people for a Citizen.
i feel great
get a driver 's license
get a job if someone doesn't speak english
more bus for anywhere place car charlotte is a big state
i feel great
Organize parties
help to find job
More jobs, free english classes with different schedule.
Create jobs and promote Education .
no
more place to work,when you go to emergency room you have too much money to pay
INSURANCE FOR NON AMERICAN
i dont know here is alot racist people
to givin linces for immigrant and the immigran live bettle.
que the goberment give licenses for all its citizens
Do community party.help to find a job
Charlotte can give job and safe leaving.
I need more drive licen
international festived
class free
recognize diplomas from other countries through a test for a good job.
Education and work better
Help to find a job
Job opportunities.
English school
MORE JOBS, AND MORE schools to help immigrants learn English and citizenship classes.
I help people commiry charlotte
approve an ID for immigrants, or a work permit
help foreign entrepreneurs
more sources of employment
better wages, the cost of living
more educational opprtuniyies, free citizenship classes, English classes
more translation services.
i can go to ISL class for free
IS GOOD
My thing is yes charlotte can do to help imigrantes.
to have a jop , can worship , can go to school and safety
gave driving lisence
Drive linceses, health care and not discrimination when the people no speak English.
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driver license
first it would be that the rent will be shipper and the people can obtain jobs without difficulties
brin drive license
charlotte gouvernment can change the pay system from the job
Providing free English courses in institutions like the CPCC for immigrants, etc
talk with them
giving to them work
charlotte gouvernment can change the pay system from the job
No problem,everthing good.
help in any way piossible as she lays
Work
I think charlotte does a good job for immigrants
I AM FREEDEM
I wants help with orintation for give the welcom cam to charlotte nc.
hospital free,
giving more help to immigrants
to let know the opportunities to do volunteer works
For me is weather .
charlotte do evrey thing to help immigrants to feel good and nice
Housing
just stay like he is...anybody can live in Charlotte
More information in all city
THE ESL PROGRAM THAT YOU OFFER, THEY HAVE A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND TO FIND A JOB
Provide more low income housing options.
Thank you next time. I learn English after.
jobs, studies, transportations, housing, many helps
make a imigrant program. And more information.
nothing
an 2003 in suth carolina
help them find a good jod and look for them a good apartment
TO HELP PEOPLE COME TO REFUGEE
first you have feridom and good life and give you foodstamb and hiltansherns and school
immigrants reform
yes
yes
privide driver license
charlotte can help immigrants, selecting the best, and when hey have 11 years in this country, got the
papers.
that is graet if there are more jobs and mony
get linces
the governor can grant privileges to immigrants
provide drive Licenses
work
Vietnamese Community in Charlotte
driver lecense.
license opportunity for buy houses
give a driver license
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More information in spanish or better courses the learn english.
Helping immigrants to get good education, to get jobs, to get better life.
you can help to have a better life and not suffer in their country
integrate in the american community
TEACHI ENGLISH AND OCCUPATION
get their papers
whi need more information.
doctor
cpcc is good is alot latino..o more school
giving immigrants opportunities to learn English more
Help with immigration agencies.
Make Spanish a mandatory rather than elective class in school.
Clt provides multiple opportunities to integrate, it is up to the immigrant to figure it out and engage and
create their own sense of belonging.
Speak out and welcome new comers
Approach them in the neighborhoods where there are immigrants.
WE should not welcome them unless they are here legally.
If bot, deport them ASAP - they have no right to be here !
Encourage people to speak more in English instead translate all, and always have people to speak Spanish.
That solves the problem in the moment, but in long term the people do not have need to speak in English,
furthermore they will not speak the official language never.
This kind of help is fantastic for new comers, but no for people that has more than 5 years living in
Charlotte.
I believe Charlotte is losing a lot of potential from people who are professionals from other countries,
which is people with a lot of expertise. It could be great if It could be implemented another strategy where
exams can validate the educational level immigrants are bringing, and not to stop them from working.
Special in the medical field.
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In addition, give the immigrants the opportunity since the beginning to know where, and how easy and
good for the community is to volunteer, and the benefits for them as improve or learn English, understand
the procedures in the country, get to know people in the community and the opportunity to contribute to
have a better world in our city Charlotte, NC
more jobs for immigrants; good program on how to go to school for adults that is free
Some kind of welcome center that can orient immigrants to the American way of life, to how to do things,
where to go to get things done, etc...
I think there are very few places that Latinos/immigrants who have advanced degrees or specific expertise
can be involved. Personally I have 17+ years of experience with tech and closing the digital divide, and
have found no places to be of service or support. I also find very few avenues for advocacy and community
organizing in the city--and have been really surprised by the lack of coordination between immigrant
communities and the city (beyond services) and the lack of home town associations or work around
remittance rights.
Trick question!!! Are talking about legal in migrants or eligal?
learn language
Second Financial hub after New York, Good weather and Cheaper Cost of Living.
CPCC teaches free English Class
cpccteach english class
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get them an assurance for health and a job connection
SUPPORT FROM LOCAL POLITICIANS
get drive license and help everybody
Give us a ID
giving more oportunity like class free and giving a drive's license to people who have a good criminal recort.
Ifeel welcome bicause the goberment give me free english clasess
cpcc teach free english class
CPCC teach free English class
privide work and helhty care
I feel welcome because government give me free english clasess. and support my children with there
education too.
give more oportunities
given an apermmision to live here visa,
maybe more culture festival for feel more welcome here
i cant helping
Food, transportation and translate.
GETTING AT FREE CLASS IN THE CPCC.
BUT, I AGREE THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO IMPROVE:
- ACCESS AT HEALTH SERVICES
- MORE PLACES FOR STUDY FREE IN THE CPCC OR OTHER INSTITUTION, ENGLISH AND OTHER PROGRAMS
OF STUDY, BECAUSE IS EXPENSIVE.
we need reform imigrant
I'm feeling welcome everyday.
I feel happy forhte nice cuality life in Charllote
yes
increase the opportunities for the foreign people to learn English, improve the medical services for
immigrants
Give them drive license
FREE ENGLIS CLASS
free english class
free english class.
FREE ENGLISH CLASS.
FREE ENGLISH CLASS AND UNIVERSITY
FREE INGLESH CLASS
Free English classes
for studying
free english class
free english class
free english classes
FREE INGLES CLASS
FREE ENGLISH CLASS
i don't know
To be more open to hispanics.
cpcc teach free english class
Discuss diversity in schools and workplaces so that the Charlotte citizens are better able to accomodate
and welcome foreigners.
27
230 Must remainders immigrants try to learn English, so immigrant can get better job and more money take
care families.
231 I think to help immigrants feel welcome here is to be friendly.
232 yas
233 give a social security #, ID card for work
234 yes
235 yes
236 Dar informacion sobre trabajos, asuntos legales, comida.
237 CPCC FREE CLASS
238 provide jobs oportunities, easy rules to get driver license, etc
239 EDUCATION
240 cpcc teaching english clases free
241 CPCC help immigrants with free English class.
Here we can get a short career, found job.
242 Cpcc freee,ducation,medicare,
243 I don't know
244 Wheater
People
Church
Season
245 CPCC TEACH FREE ENGLISH CLASS
246 cpcc teach free class
247 Give driver's license
CCPC free English class
More participation in the children's school.
248 Promote diversity and tolerance in schools.
249 CPCC teach free english class
250 free class in cpcc
251 give opportunity to communicate with teacher .
252 To teach free english at cpcc
253 to teach free english at cpcc.
254 a lot of the work
255 Outreach programs for newcomers using the help of established immigrants.
256 Welcome all the childrens go to school, and public community.... vvv
257 Provide more job.
258 should build some more fun place, more asian restaurants.
259 yes
260 YES
261 People, safety, environment, and so on.
262 Training the immigrants to improved English by free.
263 all good
264 spend a lot time with them
265 apply education,work ,madical care,financial support to the immigrants
266 part time job.
267 be treated like any other citizen
268 Make meetings for immigrants on their language.
269 Not. unfortunate, Charlotte does not help immigrants.
270 you are good , thanks
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Give them drivers license, have better public transportation,
To teach free English as Second language.
Not sure at this stage
Show interest in other cultures beyond cocktail conversation.
Have awelcome brochure with all the local rules and do and dont's plus a list of places and servicea with tel
nimbers a new immigrant my need. New immigrants can ask for this to be mailed to them or it can be on
the internet.
276 There needs to be a greater understanding of the vast range of countries we all come from. People want
to lump us all together and not really get to know our individual stories.
277
Hold a seminar/workshop to introduce/inform them of how things work in the USA and Charlotte in
particular. Also have a facility at the information centers to advise immigrants of any organisations in
Charlotte that cater for their particular country of origin that can assist them in settling in.
278 Stop discriminating against undocumented immigrants.
Improve the process of legal immigration - the current system is so difficult, expensive and inconsistent
that we are pissed off at the country before we even get here.
279 Have knowledgeable people at IRS, DMV & Soc. Sec to assist immigrants. Banks need to do International
Credit ratings on new immigrants - starting with a 0 credit score was challenging when we first arrived thank heavens I had cash to carry me.
280
Orientation classes about how the school works, banking, purchasing a home, opening a business etc.
281 Charlotte can encourage immigrants to form groups in the communities which they live.
282 Just be friendly with international people
283 It would be great to create spaces where people born in Charlotte, NC can learn about culture in other
countries, food and etc. This can come directly fro Charlotte, City and not from the CBO's.
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It would be great to create a Campaign to promote respect for cultural differences and acceptance and this
campaing can promote in newspapers, TV news, and Internet. People who welcome internationals are not
usually people from NC but people who come from states where internationals are welcome (NY, Florida,
ect).
284 Charlotte is a great city to live with family, but still issues to be worked and better opportunities for people
born outside US.
285
Create a central welcoming office that is appealing and easy to find. This office could be open to all
international people, such as people like myself who were born abroad and have parents from two
different countries, but who grew up as an American basically and have become citizens. Immigrants are
unfortunately portrayed as poor and desperate. The people of Charlotte need to know that we are not all
"off the boat". In other words, it would help Charlotte culturally to have an office that could spread
awareness about the nature of immigrants. The Southern culture is not known for being open-minded.
One way to do this is for the city to subsidize rent for ethnic restaurants. They're all out in the boonies
because they can't afford to set up shop in this expensive city. There is a great Korean BBQ place but it's
out in Matthews, for example. This would help give Charlotte a more international look-and-feel.
286 Leave me alone to attend to my lucrative cash only business
287
Encourage Legal Immigration NOT mass illegal illegal migration which marginalizes those people who enter
illegal. Their fault, not the fault of citizens or legal immigrants. Stop catering to illegals. You send the wrong
message to illegal border crossers. Also, stop spending our tax $$$ on aliens. Again, the wrong message.
288 Interpreter's available for assistance.
29
289 Do you mean legal or illegal immigrants?
290 Better use of public forums such as tv and radio.
291
Let people know they will not get in trouble with immigration for reporting a crime or using the hospital.
292 People, people, people
293 Access to city resources, better cultural awareness
294
This is just only my opinion. We need more information resources in burmese or ethnic languages. For
example: Staffing Agencies, School, Clinic, Law enforcement and Governmental departments. Refugee
agencies are to take more responsible for new refugees and explain them adequately about what they
needed to know in America although we were introduced by IOM cultural courses in a minimum time. For
example: Right and Responsibilities then what they can do especially in Charlotte, NC state, since we come
from undeveloped country, living life style in USA is far from us. Most of the refugee come from rural area
and didn't have a chance to educate well. Moreover then basic on my own country, since Burma has 135
ethnic groups. so generally I can assume that We, burmese speaks 135 dialogues. But a bad thing about
burmese is we inherited suspicion, division and dare not to speak out what I want under military
government administration for more than 40 years. A strong point for burmese is easy to duplicate and
imitate from conditions and circumstances from the environment where they are living. Thank for
interesting on us. May God bless America!
295
The most inconveinience is having to renew drivers license at a DMV ofice every time a VISA is renewed.
This could be an on-line service if nothing has changed because the license information & applicable VISAs
iare checked before the license is issued by the Raleigh Office. Many hours would be saved.
296 Stop the racism, and have more forum for immigrants so we don't have to travel to other states for
immigration's purposes. My mother is not a US citizen and we have to travel to DC or Florida for
immigration documents sometimes.
297 Organize events, festivals, and picnics for new arrivals.
298 N/a
299 Control the crime; control illegals so legal immigrants don't feel included in the same group;
300 to find a way to recognize the professional credentials of other countries so that good quality employment
would be available to the educated immigrant.
Also, why must I learn American history in detail for citizenship when the majority of Americans do not
know such dates.
301 I do not know.
302 Put enormous pressure on the Federal Government to pass sensible Immigration Reform, to keep families
together and which make economic and national security sense.
303 Not sure. I don't consider myself part of an "immigrant community." My family has been made very
welcome by the locals in Charlotte and most of our friends are American-born citizens. But that's mainly
because we connected with a community through my employer and our local church. Perhaps part of the
answer is to encourage churches to reach out to immigrants, but also to encourage immigrants to visit local
churches.
304 Give undocumented parents the possibility of volunteering at their child's school. Provide more cultural
programs where different communities can come together. IDs for undocumented immigrants. Change the
reputation of the police in the community.
30
305 Charlotteans need to be a open mind, need to be learning that is 21 countries in South and Central America
who speak Spanish, not only Mexico. They need to learning respect for others and people from South
America come to US with Visa is not other way, we don't have the option to come Illegal to this country
and for US Embassy in SA countries we need to have a good social status (Medium class or Up), not criminal
records at all. So please, learning to recognized a Latin with education. One more thing North Carolina
people need to travel to know more, cultures, learning please. Also, I'm glad I'm a US Citizen since 2013.
Thanks so much.
306 Advertise the programs that already exist (like festivals, for example).
307 Reward work ethic/actively discourage a welfare mentality.
308
Improve infrastructure, (will there be bicycle lanes at the new overpasses on last sections of 485? Example
of poor planning) improve public transportation, (impossible to travel with public transportation from for
instance Mallard Lake subdivision to Mountain Island Lake),create county wide bicycle lanes so people can
ride bicycle to work (health benefits as well),respect results of referendums,reduce property taxes,reduce
out of control city/county spending and pet projects,provide free English classes for better assimilation,
create jobs, raise minimum wage to living wage, enforce existing immigration laws, hire Latino officers at
CMPD, reduce police brutality (1 gunshot to the leg should be enough), improve CMS by focusing more on
Academics and less on sports (expensive HS stadiums etc.), promote recreational leaugues/clubs.
Start lobbying congress for a National Health Service like many European countries and shut down
powerful lobbyist groups (too many to list).
Put term limits on Senators,House Reps, force them to retire at 65 and discontinue special perks such as
exclusive healthcare and other outrageous benefits.
All of the above will not only help immigrants but all American people so we have a more liveable,sociable
and better integrated society for the people by the people.
309 Huntington farm want my chidren to move from they school to across creek school because they not like
Mexican in they school. We not Mexican! We like they school teacher at they school and want to stay ther
but the town people be mean and try to make all Latino go out across creek boundary. That racist. We
wand tone school we start with here. Not move all around everywhere to make rich moms feel good. We
all learn together. Garcias.
310 Offer quality jobs, training, and opportunities for advancement
311
If they're legal and go through the proper steps to gain citizenship then they need to speak the native
language before being hired for work. It would help everyone out if we the USA didn't have to "select
english" on the telephone or print excess material with other languages on it. The street I live on is littered
with non English speaking "immigrants". Some have been here for 20 or more years and can barely
understand me. I have to use very basic words and hand jestures. I would feel embarrassed of I moved to a
foreign country without knowing the native language or at least learning it. As a matter of fact, my mexican
neighbor doesn't speak very good english and is embarrassed by it. Also, there are non english speaking
illegals all around us working jobs that red blooded Americans can't get and also driving around without
insurance. It's costing everyone more than it should.
312 website with info to introduce different enthnicities immigrant groups
313 Let them help themselves, everyone needs to be more self sufficient, enough with the help already and if
they get help it needs to be limited and time constrained. Get a job, its not up to the community to support
folks
314 There are no Canadian associations.
31
315 Literacy programs for legal aliens.
Deport the illegal ones by reporting them to Homeland Security.
316 Make mental health available for those who may be learning the language and transitioning to Western
culture
317 Have a diverse police force, fire, and city officials. We want the people leading and helping our city to
reflect the community.
318 1-Desegregation of schools
2-Create a Welcoming Center
319
It would be wonderful if the USA would enforce the illegal immigration laws so that all who come into the
country do so through the legal channels. It's very frustrating to see that not happening. When I renewed
my permanent resident card this year, I was shocked to see the fee was over $400!! On the form it states
that if I was in the right category, I could apply to have some assistance paying for it! Since there are so
many using this assistance, those of us who fortunately can pay, are paying for these people also! Not
quite fair, is it? Charlotte is all too welcoming to illegal immigrants to the point that there is now no
differentiation made between legal and illegal. Thank you for allowing me to air my opinions.
320 Easier access to interpreters for necessary services: DSS, DMV, etc.
321 Welcome them and get to know them before prejudging them.
322 it all depends if Charlotte called Immigrants with or without status two different things for the same of
people
323 Not sure
324 Nothing, I feel Charlotte like my home
325 International festival
326 Better transportation services
327 The city doesn't have that much if an impact in your daily life like your neighbors. It would be nice if
somehow it became easier to meet them and assimilate into the community without feeling like you are
different
328 Language translators in schools/medical facilities
Integration education for more than 90 days
Accessible language instruction
Stress education
329 Give better advice,encourage self confidence
330
Bring awareness among citizens and public services on cultural differences to avoid discrimination.
331
Equality when speaking off/serving immigrants as Only Hispanic communities that get all the attentions at
the time. More Arabic language speakers needed in all government offices. Help the Muslim communites
to feel safe and protected as the danger of racism can prevent families from practising their normal life.
Pass a lawy that Approve financial aids to legal immigrants that pursuing their new education in the U.S (as
schools rejects their applications because they consider their gained degrees from their home countries is a
first degree and so they don't approve financial aids to immigrants for second degrees). Legal Immigrants
that spent that less than 5 years in U.S GOT TO have rights for food stamps and medicare equal to all
citizens. Treat and consider Muslim women whom wearing scarf (Hijab) with respect and understand that is
a religious matter without forcing them to take it off as long as the face is exposed. Show more efforts,
held more meetings with the Arab/Muslim community to discuss their needs and include them in the main
decisions as they own a big portion of small business in CLT and many of them has moved just because they
feel neglection. Thanks!
332 need Chinese TV and radio station
32
333 More events such as getting together for traditional holidays, workshops talking about health care, real
estate, English courses for new immigrants, etc.
334 N/A
335
1) Community Gatherings for Immigrant families, something that tells about Charlotte and who we are as a
city.
2) English Classes and some sort or a team that guides families in education or focuses in development
3) multi-Cultural activities
336
Provide free ESL classes at public libraries, more partnerships with the local school system, "Welcome to
Charlotte" city-wide community fairs to learn about different organizations and services.
337 Offer more specialized resources to the refugees.
338 Having real estate agents ask immigrants who use their services if they need help in networking with other
immigrants who have moved to Charlotte.
339 I don't know
340 Charlotte should assist those immigrants that are becoming victims of any type of crime.
Whether the immigrant is legal or not, Charlotte should focus on giving them protection and assisting those
in need.
341
Equally provide the opportunity for a drivers license to EVERYONE. WITH OUT any "legal presence, no
lawful status" or anything that will cause discrimination when others read it. A license that is EQUAL to ALL.
342
create incubator organization (not commercial like MICC) but connected to other ethnic organization for
easy access to immigrants and have them partner for better utilization of resources under guidance of City,
County and state expert to be productive, effective and pass red tape to serve their community. this will
help reduce tax dollars spending and right service to right people instead of duplication and waste
343
1.Help with information about ,where to go to seek medical ,jobs and legal help.
2.What are the laws of the land and information on the repurcussions for now following the same
344
Communicate and work with communities in areas where new immigrants have arrived. A lot of focus is in
areas where the immigrant community has become established. A lot of services have been concentrated
in East Charlotte, but I would argue that areas along South BV are lacking in services and appears where
most of the new immigrant communities in the last five years have settled.
345 Try to have volunteers that speak their language present at community events. Having translated materials
in their language, is not enough.
346
Have one place to find all the resources available in Charlotte, like International Welcome Center.
347 A welcome desk at the Charlotte City Council, with volunteers from different countries that could be the
link between the newcomers and the community.
348 stop discrimination at every level
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349
I am lucky because I came to Charlotte with a university program and part-time job set up for me. The
university made me feel welcome as an international student and I have been introduced to a wide range
of people and groups in the city since I arrived several years ago, all of which have been very welcoming.
That said, I am fluent in English, educated, white, and from a Western European country. Unfortunately,
not everyone is received equally, I believe. Many face discrimination or are unable to access the health and
other services they need to thrive. For that reason, I think it is important to focus on those immigrants and
refugees who may not have a higher education degree (that is recognized here), who may not have health
insurance through their job, or who may not speak English. It would be great to have a welcome center
with lots of information and navigators, ready to help newcomers navigate the city and connect them to
resources they may need. It would be great to have a social worker, nurse (practitioner), counselor, legal
representative, e.g. under one roof to provide low-cost services at this center.
350 Encourage immigrants to ask for what is needed. Encourage engagement & communication based on
specifics. STOP classifying and segmenting folks and ask/answer "How can I help you? How can you help
me" Labels and demographics divide; personal initiatives, commitment and universal needs for respect
build community.
351 Materials should be written in other foreign languages besides Spanish. Also, personnel working at
government offices should be trained in world culture to adequately serve the international community.
Also, the officials should hire more people that represent the immigrant community.
Furthermore,Currently, there are more programs for refugees community and not enough for the
immigrants population. The Haitian community is not qualified for many of the programs since they're
targeting the refugees, and Haitians are not considered refugees.
352 I was very disappointed with DMV services here in Charlotte. (I am referring to the one in Arrowood.) DMV
is one of the first places that immigrants go when they move here. I think they should be welcoming people
instead of giving bad feelings...
First, they don't have enough staff to cover the customers considering how Charlotte being such a huge
community. I overheard employees are chatting, of course in front of me, how they did not have a time to
eat.
Second, some of DMV employees should learn how to communicate in English with a professional manner
especially when serving customers from other countries. If they do not use proper English, foreigners have
a hard time to understand.
353
354
355
356
357
358
Overall, lack of professionalism of DMV staff should get attention. City of Charlotte should hire more
professional and culturally intelligent people.
Not tolerate the good ol' boys mindset
Helping them to understand the system and government. Having a place where they can go for information
and help if needed with staff speaks their language. Giving them information about group, organizations
that are from their own country in Charlotte.
Create safe environment for all immigrants and avoid hate crimes.
More cultural integration activities with mainstream communities
Help them to learn English and to give education so that the can afford to live independently. Also they
should feel they are welcome in this country.
Provide light rail systems on important corridors!
34
359 Annual international festival to introduce and provide opportunities for local residents to learn about other
countries' culture and histories as we are all living in today's societies more globally so we all need to
understand, respect, learn and appreciate for each other to build a better and peaceful world for future
generations.
360 More events, social gathering targeting to those new in town
361 Really??? Illegal immigrants are more welcome here than the green card holders. You should be ashamed
of the fact that you are discriminating against those who DID go through the proper requirements for the
PRIVILEDGE to be here!
362 Stop being so Southern and leave Religion at home.
363 Like to see possibility of communication in Hindi like you have accepted some other languages. Much
publicity for awareness..this is te first time I have seen such communication...good.
364 They need to make their own way as my great grandparents did when they came over in New York City.
They need to learn how to speak English on their own, we should not cater to them or they could go back
to where they came from If they don't like it.
365 Annex Gastonia and make it one big city.
366 Open an office of "Immigrant Services" in the City Hall.
367 I thing there is a need for an agency or organization that welcomes all inmigrants of different countries.
There is some help for Hispanics but there is still a need and Charlotte is much diverse and there is a need
to welcome inmigrants from other coountries and cultures
368 Cricket Grounds with a pitch. Have some kind of low cost good health insurance plans especially for Senior
Citizens who are still not US citizens.
369 The government needs better training and having an open mind when it comes to different cultures.
Educating the public.
370 Speak Spanish
Welcoming other cultures
371 Publish in media where could immigrants can go for help.
372 More awareness of groups in the area
373 Encourage highly visible cultural & ethnic diversity. e.g: TV anchors, Artistic events/festivals etc.
374 Local immigration offices and a local passport agency for every country.
375 reliable, available, cheap, frequent public transportation
376 More English classes
377 Educate immigrants to respect, appreciate and volunteer in their communities, to gain the same from
others.
378 public id cards for undocumented people
stop police harassment
379 Easier access to information dissemination locations.
380 Be more open minded
381 More educational workshops
382 Good School and teachers
Security
Better mode of transportation
383 Provide comprehensive welcome packets with info on applying for schools;accessing health care; ESL
classes and other resources
384
Provide services for the undocumented Latino population. Have state IDs for members to be able to
identify themselves. This will reduce stigma there may be from law enforcement and increase safety for
the community as a whole because we will have regitered community members.
385 Bilingual and bicultural employees
35
386 Awareness to improve people's attitude towards immigrants. Be more curious and cultural aware. Promote
Work Culture/Policies to ensure professional Latinos have the same opportunities of job promotion and
advance and salaries like their American colleagues (usually they dont get paid as much or are part of small
budget plans etc)
387 Provide Spanish translations in more places. Develop an attitude of celebrating diversity rather that just
accepting it. Support for children in schools ( and their parents)
388 Use of the word "immigrant" can sometimes unintentionally create a separation. Anything that focuses on
the unity and diversity as opposed to separateness is useful.
389 city/county issued ID card
stop 287g
better target services for immigrants
390 Friends, realtives, support groups like hosting family/ civic organizations, communication media
391
With the guidance of International House, the CM Public Library, international businesses, and the
International organizations at the universities, colleges, and in the community, create an online, very
inclusive, well-publicized, well-designed web presence that is as well-known as 311, and as extensive.
As the airport is being refurbished and remodeled, put a "chair rail" up and down all the concourses with
Welcome in as many languages as we have represented here, and the contact information - phone # / web
page.
Use CPCC's WTVI to have many locally focused shows that educate the long-time residents of Charlotte
about the diversity of people living here.
Encourage every cultural group that has an event that is open to outsiders to include a brief description of
the event on a community bulletin board.
Have a shop Uptown that has a flag from every country represented here on display inside the store, and
sell only products / souvenirs that have a direct connection to Charlotte/Mecklenburg County. Ask for
suggestions from the international community of Charlotte as to what they'd think would be good to
include!
392
393
394
395
Give more attention in local tv coverage and in Charlotte print publication to distinguishing Africa as a
continent made up of many countries, to South America as being more than Mexico, and to the Middle
East and Asia as representing more than stereotypes.
Health Festivals, More public transportation and bus stops, Public officials attending immigrant or cultural
community events,
Help create a positive immigrant profile in a city in which many people struggle to see the benefits of
having an engaged and rich immigrant community.
Help them with Driver Licenses. This land is the land of the opportunity. It is not young imigrants fault
where there place of birth was. We don't get to choose who we are but we do get choose who we can
become with a little help.
Free English training, medical services, cultural classes
36
396
People here are very friendly and empathetic to learn about your personal story, but it ends there. There
was no information about legal and work issues or hidden agendas, because Americans do not consider
that foreigners might not know these everyday things. My first boss here, for example, paid me 50 cents
below minimum wage. When I asked for minimum wage after I found out a month later, he reduced my
hours. There was no information and no support about such practices. It took me two months to find out.
Highly exucated female immigrants have slightly better chances in the local job market than in Germany.
However, it was difficult and expwnsive to have my engineering degree officially recognized here and to
find employment.
397 Lobby for Comprehensive immigration Reform, bring them out of the shadows, stop treating immigrants
like criminals, educate the locals about how important immigrants are for the local economy and not job
stealers.
398 Language classes
399
Immigration Attorneys are useless and very slow. I've had 6 years of failed information. I'm a mcColl School
MBA student with 3 degrees - and had a charlotte NC work sponsor- failed H1 B due to useless idiotic
immigration attorney!!!!!
Now I'm losing 6 years invested in charlotte.
My 3 kids lose their school, sport and society
SHAMEFUL and reminds me if what the Klu klux Klan would do::;:: the useless patronizing politicians (Burr
& Pittinger ) have done nothing and have NO power to remediate a failed system.
This Salad Bowl Society is very patronizing.
Americans need to be educated as to the process. The media needs to do a better job at succinctly
communicating the difference between illegals and foreign investors. My story is testament to a true failed
system.
400
Find a way to modestly fund citizenship engagement/voter awareness classes. Unless they vote in much
larger % than they currently do, their voices won't be heard. Spare econ. development $s to promote &
finance immigrant owned business. Improve access roads/walkways/bus routes in immigrant frequented
areas(groceries, restaurants. Identify jobs -high end to attract more of them and low end to see what city
can do to improve their conditions. Attract more foundation $s to make public schools more attractive and
arts venues to reflect immigrants' cultures. Redirect community relations, international cabinet and other
limited city resources for more micro-targeting of the diversity of needs and opportunities in the immigrant
communties than currently done. Recruit them as CLT brand ambassadors to attract more of them.
Catalyse more non-profit resources to care for less fortunate immigrants. Help them transition from dead
end jobs 2-3 years down the road so that they move up and vacate the entrypoints for the newcomers.
Keep up the good work!
401 A large international market would nice or a designated area in CLT that was focused to international
foods/shopping. Similar to "Chinatown" in SF
37
Appendix E: Phone Survey Results (as of 10/24/14)
English Dials
No Answer
4574
43.67%
Phone busy
540
5.16%
Disconnected Phone
605
5.78%
Business/Government
52
0.50%
Respondent Not Available
397
3.79%
Refusal
298
2.85%
Computer Tone
26
0.25%
Language Barrier
122
1.16%
Schedule Callback
134
1.28%
Mid-Interview Terminate
0
0.00%
Answering Machine
3443
32.88%
Terminate - No One in Household 18 or Older
9
0.09%
Terminate - Outside Mecklenburg County
68
0.65%
Terminate - Not an Immigrant
126
1.20%
Terminate - Born in the United States/Military Base
7
0.07%
Terminate - Refused Country
2
0.02%
Completes
TOTAL DIALS
(Quota = 250)
Spanish Dials
151
42.06%
20
5.57%
1
0.28%
1
0.28%
51
14.21%
5
1.39%
0
0.00%
18
5.01%
12
3.34%
0
0.00%
78
21.73%
0
0.00%
1
0.28%
3
0.84%
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
70
0.67%
18
5.01%
10473
100.00%
359
100.00%
38
Appendix E: Worksheet 2 – Testing Recommendations
Worksheet 2 – Testing Recommendations
SMART Test
SPECIFIC:
Focused on one priority item and a specific aspect of that priority.
MEASUREABLE:
With indicators that tell you when the goal has been accomplished, including conditions that you can observe or
quantify
ACHIEVABLE:
Stated in a way that allows a reasonable chance of success, focused on things that the group can reasonably expect to
influence
RESOURCED:
That is, the means to achieve the goal are identified and accessible, what is additional cost for this recommendation?
TIME-BOUND:
Stated with a clear deadline for achieving the goal that provides enough time to get the job done, but not so much time
that people lose interest and motivation is this a recommendation that can be implemented within one year? Two
years? Five years?
Guiding Principles
EQUITABLE ACCESS:
Ensure availability of economic, civic, cultural and educational opportunities and government services for all residents.
INCLUSION:
Embrace diversity as a strength, create a sense of belonging, safety and community for all residents, and promote crosscultural competence to build mutual respect and trust.
CONNECTION:
Promote social connection among diverse groups, digital connection to government information and resources and
physical connectivity among neighborhoods and encourage interfaith interaction and dialogue among people of
different religions and spiritual practice.
ECONOMIC GROWTH: Promote economic development through business startups, workforce development/skills training, access to financial
services and regeneration of declining and vacant areas, leverage technology, and position Charlotte as globally
competitive.
WELL-BEING OF ALL:
Support policies and practices that benefit the entire community, improve social mobility, and promote the physical and
mental health and safety of all residents of all ages and backgrounds.
39
List recommendations by priority in the first column and check the box when a SMART criteria or a Guiding Principle is met.
Working Group: ______________________________________
Criteria
SMART Test
Well-Being
of All
Economic
growth
Connection
Inclusion
Equitable
Access
Time-Bound
Resourced
40
Achievable
Example: Creating a Municipal ID
Measureable
Specific
Recommendation
Guiding Principles