Chicago named top U.S. city for immigrants

Bipartisan group gives city perfect score for inclusive policies

U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, himself an immigrant, leads an immigration protest in Chicago earlier this year under the Alexander Calder sculpture in Federal Plaza. (One Illinois/Ted Cox)

By Ted Cox

Chicago is the top city in the nation for immigrants.

That’s according to the second annual ranking of U.S. cities by New American Economy, a decade-old bipartisan group committed to immigration reform.

Chicago earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 on the inclusivity of its government policies, including being a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants. It got a more moderate score of 3.75 on socioeconomic issues for immigrants, but that was still strong enough to earn the top spot.

Among the top five, San Francisco also earned a perfect 5 on policy, but was not as strong as Chicago on socioeconomic issues. Chula Vista, Calif., Jersey City, N.J., and Baltimore all had better socioeconomic scores than Chicago, but were not as strong on policy.

Chicago earned perfect scores on government leadership, economic empowerment, inclusivity, community, and legal support. It posted strong scores of 4 on job opportunities, economic prosperity, and livability, and an average 3 score on civic participation.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a statement saying: “We are tremendously proud Chicago has been named the most welcoming city in America for immigrants and refugees. 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.”

New American Economy quoted Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association, as saying: “Immigrants are the backbone of the hospitality industry, and it’s been that way for 100 years.”

According to USA Today, New American Economy was formed in 2010 by a bipartisan group of corporate executives led by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman of News Corp and co-chairman of the Fox Corp. They set out to reframe immigration reform “as the solution to repairing and stimulating the American economy.” The group supports firm borders and opposes illegal immigration, but it backs creating more opportunities for immigrants and providing a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants.