Issues

Immigrant Family Policies

Introduction

Utah is home to 304,900 immigrants, more than 21,300 of whom are immigrant children. It is estimated that at least 181,400 U.S.-born residents live with at least one immigrant parent. Additionally, 41,500 U.S. citizen children live with at least one undocumented parent. [1]

Voices is committed to ensuring Utah is a welcoming place for all children, regardless of their background.

Our Key Priorities

  • Advance and protect policies that allow children in immigrant families to integrate into Utah, such as access to public healthcare programs, nutrition programs, and education programs
  • Support and educate on threats to lawful statutes such as DACA, TPS, and unaccompanied minor children
  • Elevate the harmful impact on children and families of broader immigration enforcement.

Current Initiatives

Utah Immigrant Advocacy Coalition

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"The Utah Immigrant Advocacy Coalition works to ensure that Utah remains a welcoming and supportive place for all immigrants, regardless of status..."

Key UIAC Projects

State Level Data

 Immigrants in Utah live across the state, from rural and frontier communities to urban and suburban areas. 

Recent Publications

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Boosting Utah's Economy: Immigrant Workforce's Impact on Utah’s GDP

Immigrants in Utah help power the state’s economy. Immigrants, both parents and other adults, are vital contributing members of our state who help us be a stronger and better Utah. More than 304,000 immigrants call Utah home, making up 9% of our state. More than 181,400 U.S.-born residents live with at least one immigrant parent.

 

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The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of Mass Deportation: What’s at Risk in Utah

There are 304,000 immigrants in Utah, including 175,000 who are non-citizens, and among those, an estimated 110,000 who are undocumented.In 2022, undocumented people paid $235,100,000 in Utah state and local taxes. If ten percent of undocumented people are deported, state and local tax revenues would be lost by $23,510,000 per year.

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Past Events and Webinars

 

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Embracing Every Student: The Importance of Supporting Multilingual Learners in Utah

Multilingual students are a vibrant and enriching part of our school communities. In Utah, 59,147 students in the K-12 system are Multilingual Learners (ML), also known as English Language Learners or English Learners. They bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives that enhance the educational experience for all students. 

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Immigration Lunch Learn Flyer

Newcomers’ Immigration Pathways and Community Resources

On August 8, 2024, Voices for Utah Children joined forces with the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office of Access and Belonging and the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office for New Americans to host our “Newcomers’ Immigration Pathways and Community Resources” Lunch and Learn event. Together, we brought key stakeholders from various organizations to discuss the nuances of immigration statuses and pathways, share critical data specific to Utah, and highlight valuable community resources available to support our immigrant communities.

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Visas 2 Ventures: A Guide To Business Immigration Panel

Voices for Utah Children hosted a webinar in partnership with the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC), Immivisa Law Group, and Utah’s Department of Professional Licensing. The event provided insights into visa options based on skills, profession, or education, exploring employment pathways, federal immigration policies, and Utah’s licensing landscape. Attendees heard from experts and Utah residents about navigating visas like the H-1B1 and EB-2 National Interest Waiver.

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[1] American Immigration Council