I want to commend the Concord City Council for recently adopting a resolution to join Welcoming America.
This decision is part of a growing movement of communities welcoming immigrants and refugees. As the state coordinator for Welcoming New Hampshire, I hope this Welcoming Resolution will lead to a vibrant partnership between the city, local organizations, citizens and new residents to weave new immigrants into the fabric of our cultural, economic and civic life.
Immigrants are entrepreneurs, employees, taxpayers and consumers. Their contributions are critical to New Hampshire’s economic vitality. Their diverse backgrounds enrich our cultural diversity. Welcoming them makes sense.
New Hampshire history is rich in contributions of foreign-born people. The hands of French, Irish, Italian, Greek, Polish and others constructed the sturdy old homes we live in today. They built and operated our mills.
Today, immigrant businesses provide thousands of jobs. New Granite Staters pay hundreds of millions of dollars in local, state and federal taxes. Non-native students spend hundreds of millions of dollars in tuition, fees and housing.
So be sure to extend your thanks to the members of Concord City Council the next time you see them – for their leadership and foresight to recognize the benefits of creating a welcoming environment for newcomers.
ERIC ZULASKI
Manchester
(The writer is the New Hampshire coordinator for Welcoming America.)