Immigrants Revitalize Rural Communities

At the turn of the 20th Century, my immigrant grandparents came to New York City from Ireland and Sweden.  They started businesses and made lives for themselves and for their children. While much of the news regarding immigrants focuses on their impact in our major cities, a report in the HUD’s  “PD&R Edge”publication from the Partners for Smart Growth Conference shows a different side of the story.

Immigrants are bringing new life and economic vitality to many rural areas. While banks often shy away from lending to immigrant start ups, some local governments have chosen to engage in direct lending within the immigrant community because they have seen the regenerative effects of new businesses serving new and transforming demographics.

We truly are a nation of immigrants.  Embrace it, and more of us can prosper.