OUR WORK IN MONTANA
What We Learned
South North Nexus is committed to helping newly arrived families. We have partnered to conduct three studies in Montana to better understand the challenges newly arrived families face in Montana and their contributions to our state. Conversations with a range of stakeholders centered around barriers to documentation, housing, medical care and equitable employment. The lack of documentation presents many complex economic, health, and social challenges that prevent immigrants from fully integrating into a new community. Major issues that people identified included, language, fear and stress.
In our work with immigrant families, we have shown the importance of immigrant workers in the Montana economy. We have seen how individuals and families face significant challenges in participating in community life. Simple measures like access to a driver’s license, or the ability to apply for housing, are denied to many of these families.
In our work with immigrant families, we have shown the importance of immigrant workers in the Montana economy. We have seen how individuals and families face significant challenges in participating in community life. Simple measures like access to a driver’s license, or the ability to apply for housing, are denied to many of these families.
Our Solutions
|
Immigrant Legal Fund. Our Immigrant Legal Fund helps immigrants and their families with legal assistance related to their residency in Montana. With the collaboration of a wonderful Salt Lake City Lawyer and donors we have helped 25 people start immigration processes, reducing stress and reuniting families.
Economic and Labor Studies. SNN worked with Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District and Circle Analytics to better understand the economic contribution of immigrants to Montana’s economy. We also talked with business owners, farmers, ranchers and people in the service industry to understand their hiring challenges. The study found that immigrants are playing a crucial role in creating a dynamic and more prosperous economy for all in Montana. LEARN MORE Economic Benefits Provided by Montana Hispanic Population
"We need the opportunity to start a new life her and that they give us the opportunity to get a work permit so that we don't have to go around hiding, so that we can work freely and go around honestly." -Livelihood Study Participant Legislation. To help address some of these issues, we worked with our Legislative Representative to introduce a Drivers Privilege Card for people working in our state, like 20 other states have done. There is still more work to do on this! LEARN MORE Montana Compact on Immigration. The Montana Compact is a bipartisan effort agreed to by Montana’s leaders, business community and higher education institutions, supporting advocacy for federal and local reforms that meet the needs of our labor market and communities. We the signers of the Montana Compact on Immigration are committed to pragmatic immigration policies that strengthen our economy and attract talent and business to our state. We recognize the role that immigrates play in driving economic growth and the need to find solutions for undocumented Montanan’s who make a vital contribution to our state’s economy. |
|
