Overview of Pro-Immigrant &
Refugee Movement

Migration is an old human story. People on the move have a right to safety, self-determination, and transformation.

For generations, the pro-immigrant, pro-refugee movement has fought for every migrant to have access to dignity, human rights, and full participation in society regardless of legal status and country of origin. That struggle extends into other movements, too. Immigrants and refugees often lead today’s struggles, building power for a fair democracy, workers’ rights, healthcare access, racial equity, gender justice, and so much more.At the same time, anti-immigrant forces have also strengthened their power, with echo chambers, political seats, and threats of violence to match.

NCRP’s research has consistently identified a major problem: despite a committed core of pro-immigrant funders, the philanthropic sector has been largely indifferent to immigrants, refugees, and their movement’s work toward a better future. In a country where 14% of all US residents are immigrants and a quarter of US children have at least one immigrant parent, pro-immigrant funding has never comprised more than 2% of all foundation funding.

When migrant communities thrive, we all do. The choice is clear: philanthropy can stand on the sidelines and enable a dimmer future for a few, or stand up for migrating people and embrace a thriving future for us all.

Ready to Take Action?

 

Fund Power Building Now is the time for funders to invest in the organizations building the power of immigrant communities to participate fully in our democracy.
Commit to Long-term Funding Anti-immigrant donors have been building movement capacity for generations; activating and sustaining the power of the pro-immigrant majority will take a similar multi-generational commitment.
Learn from Peer Funders Communities of practice like GCIR are the best way for funders new to the pro-immigrant space to learn from leaders and innovators.