Chicago rated the most welcoming U.S. city for immigrants

Immigrants choosing to set roots in Chicago have the best opportunities available to them compared to any other city in the country, according to a report released Wednesday.

The New American Economy’s 2019 Cities Index analyzed how effective cities across the country were at integrating immigrants by looking at its foreign-born population and city policies. New American Economy is a bipartisan research and advocacy organization working to reform immigration policy in the United States.

The index examined the largest 100 cities in the United States and found “traditional immigration gateways” like Chicago are still the leaders on immigration policies.

Chicago was ranked the most welcoming city followed by Chula Vista, California; Jersey City, New Jersey; San Francisco; and Baltimore. Chicago ranked eighth last year, the first year the Cities Index was produced.

Cities examined in the study had at least 200,000 residents and its foreign-born population was at least 10,000 people. The New American Economy looked at census data and applied a “score” to five policy categories: government leadership, economic empowerment, inclusivity, community and legal support.

“We are tremendously proud Chicago has been named the most welcoming city in America for immigrants and refugees,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement. “This ranking reflects the passionate and dedicated work of countless public officials and community members across our city who have come together to stand up and fight for the rights of our immigrant and refugee communities, no matter the cost.”

The index gave Chicago the highest rating for the city’s government engaging and supporting immigrants. The New American Economy points to the city’s Welcome Stations as something other cities should replicate. These stations are areas where immigrants can access resources, services and information.

Manny Ramos is a corps member of Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of Chicago’s South Side and West Side.