Thought Piece: Building Belonging Through Connected Communities: 2023 - 2024 New Americans Task Force Progress Report

By: Bailey Rivera-Wymes

Creating a sense of home requires more than just housing, it requires a sense of belonging. The New American Task Force is helping foster this through initiatives that create connected communities across Utah.

One standout event last year was Seeking Common Ground, a dialogue series co-hosted by Salt Lake City’s Human Rights Commission, Braver Angels, and Salt Lake County. These respectful, facilitated conversations brought Utahns together to tackle the complex topic of immigration with compassion and curiosity.

Additionally, thanks to a USCIS grant, the Utah Citizenship Initiative, led by the Center for Global Talent and New Americans, is delivering naturalization resources to rural communities, ensuring that the American dream is not limited by geography.

These efforts reflect a powerful truth: when we connect across differences, we build stronger, more resilient communities.

Read the full 2023 - 2024 New Americans Task Force Report here.