Cedar Rapids as a community is deeply influenced by its immigrant population as a whole. A 2019 report from New American Economy in collaboration with the City of Cedar Rapids and the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance shows nearly half of Linn County’s population growth comes from immigrants. In a state where brain drain and population decline are becoming increasingly problematic, Cedar Rapids and its pull for immigrants is significant.
The same report also highlighted the significant economic contributions immigrants have had on the state of Iowa. The New American Economy reported immigrants contributed to $53.9 million to federal taxes and $26.1 million to state and local taxes, all on top of $225.6 million in consumer spending power.
The same report also highlighted the significant economic contributions immigrants have had on the state of Iowa. The New American Economy reported immigrants contributed to $53.9 million to federal taxes and $26.1 million to state and local taxes, all on top of $225.6 million in consumer spending power.
Immigration to the U.S. as a whole, however, remains complicated.
Prior to 1965, immigration to the U.S. was most feasible for individuals from Northern and Western Europe, while there were heavy restrictions and bans on immigration from Asia.
The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act shifted that paradigm, opening up immigration from South America and Asia. The Immigration Act of 1990 continued that trend, allowing legal immigration from more countries across the globe.
Since the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, around 72 million individuals have immigrated to the U.S.
Prior to 1965, immigration to the U.S. was most feasible for individuals from Northern and Western Europe, while there were heavy restrictions and bans on immigration from Asia.
The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act shifted that paradigm, opening up immigration from South America and Asia. The Immigration Act of 1990 continued that trend, allowing legal immigration from more countries across the globe.
Since the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, around 72 million individuals have immigrated to the U.S.
Hover over the icon to explore different components of a U.S. visa
The U.S. offers visas for various reasons, including employment, spousal connections, education, medical treatment, and tourism.
For immigration visas, the U.S. State Department requires applicants to provide two identical and printed photos during the immigration interview.
The expiration date is the last day a person can seek entry into the U.S. The Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is where the “Admit Until Date” is noted.
Entries indicates the number of times a visa holder is permitted to enter a country. "M" means a person can enter the U.S. multiple times without limits.
The issuing post is the U.S. embassy that granted the visa. The U.S. has 275 diplomatic posts overseen by the Department of State.
Annotations are for any additional information, including purpose of travel, eligibility details, or any other extra notes.
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There are a myriad of ways individuals can qualify for a U.S. visa. According to the U.S. Department of State website, the immigrant visa process has 12 steps involving an applicant and petitioner, which includes:
Submitting a petition
National Visa Center processing
Paying fees
An affidavit of support
Providing financial documents
Filling out an online application
Collecting civil documents
Scanning documents
Submitting documents
Preparing for the interview
Attending the interview
Additional steps pending approval or denial
National Visa Center processing
Paying fees
An affidavit of support
Providing financial documents
Filling out an online application
Collecting civil documents
Scanning documents
Submitting documents
Preparing for the interview
Attending the interview
Additional steps pending approval or denial
Politically, immigration has been a hot-button issue in the U.S.
President Donald Trump signed a flurry of executive orders on Jan. 20 — his first day in office during his second term — with several addressing U.S. borders and immigration. Some impactful orders from the 20 include:
President Donald Trump signed a flurry of executive orders on Jan. 20 — his first day in office during his second term — with several addressing U.S. borders and immigration. Some impactful orders from the 20 include:
Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship, which alters and constrains the 14th Amendment and birthright citizenship.
Protecting the American People Against Invasion repeals enforcement priorities of the former President Joe Biden’s administration and reframes them so that undocumented immigrants are prioritized. This also orders the review of federal funding to nonprofit services to ensure they are not facilitating irregular immigration.
Securing Our Borders authorizes the construction of a border wall and ends the “catch-and-release” program, which allowed asylum-seekers to remain in the community awaiting their hearing.
On June 4, during our workshop, Trump signed the Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats executive order. Within the order, travel bans and restrictions are placed on 10 African countries, including Togo — a country whose immigrants feature heavily in our stories.
While immigration from African nations faces an uncertain future, research clearly suggests that immigration is a net positive for Iowa both economically and culturally.
