Join League members on Wednesday, January 25, from 7:00-8:00 pm to learn more about the New American Welcome Center at the University YMCA. NAWC director Gloria Yen will explain how the Center helps immigrants integrate into the various communities in Champaign County. She'll respond to questions such as the ones below. You'll also have the chance to ask questions of your own.

• Do we know demographics about the immigrant community in Champaign County - number, ages, country of origin, etc.
• What is the difference between refugee status and immigrant status? Are refugees needier? Do they take longer to assimilate?
• What is the short-term cost to helping immigrants and refugees and who funds that cost?
• What is the long-term economic benefit to the community of helping immigrants and refugees? How many years does it take to realize that benefit?
• Is there a significant difference in the cost/benefit relationship to helping immigrants vs. helping refugees?
• How are local school districts and social services impacted by our immigration and refugee population?
• What are our expectations about immigrants and refugees learning English?
• Are there tensions between new arrivals to America and those already living here, regarding economic or social resources?
• Do immigrant communities exist in our area to help assimilate new arrivals?