Dramatic demographic changes in the U.S. population, evidenced by the 2000 census, have generated a lot of excitement about the potential for multicultural community building.

One of the key questions that has emerged for researchers, social change organizations, and members of the philanthropic community is, "How can established community-based and philanthropic organizations more effectively work with emerging mutual assistance and immigrant rights organizations to address the concerns of immigrant and refugee families?"

The Mapping the Immigrant Infrastructure Project (MIP) addresses this question by examining the emerging structures of immigrant and refugee associations and organizations, and elaborating the ways in which established community-based advocacy and organizing groups have accommodated the needs of immigrant constituents. Utilizing research methods that include a broad survey, focus groups, interviews with key actors, and case studies, this study elaborates four organizational types and examines the issues they address, as well as what strategies and tactics they use. In addition, our analysis of organizational efforts identifies the ways in which philanthropic support can bolster the immigrant and refugee infrastructure as it adapts to new challenges, addresses the immediate and long-term needs of immigrants, and strives to improve outcomes for immigrant children and families.

Related Documents:

Mapping the Immigrant Infrastructure Full Report. To download this report in PDF format, complete the form on this page.