As our nation grapples with complex discussions about immigration reform and undocumented border crossings, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the vast majority of immigrants in Massachusetts are here legally with the hope of establishing roots and building community. Marblehead has an opportunity to be a model of local engagement with its immigrant neighbors simply by acting consistent with its values.
Those values are clear. As Marblehead’s welcome message, adopted at the 2022 annual Town Meeting and set out clearly on the official website, states, “We are committed to ensuring that Marblehead is a respectful, supportive, welcoming and inclusive community for its many diverse citizens and visitors.”
Some numbers help put the immigration issue in context for Marblehead and communities across Massachusetts. According to the US Census Bureau, from 2019 to 2023, the foreign-born population in Marblehead stood at 6.7%, compared to 18.8% in Essex County and 17.7% in Massachusetts overall.
Immigration positively impacts our community in many ways. As members of the workforce, entrepreneurs and taxpayers, data from the American Immigration Council show that immigrants contribute $5.8 billion in state and local taxes. A recent Economic Policy Institute report characterizes immigrants’ economic contributions by concluding that “immigration to the United States has contributed greatly to growing the economy, and foreign-born workers have been complementary to U.S. workers and expanded opportunities for them.”
To be sure, as neighbors, friends and family, immigrants strengthen and enhance our community in ways beyond economics. Immigration enriches our arts, brings new perspectives and ideas to our public discourse, promotes cultural competencies and contributes to our religious and cultural institutions. Immigrants’ civic engagement demonstrates a deep commitment to becoming part of our, and our surrounding communities’, future and sharing our deeply held values.
“I don’t think most people realize the sheer amount of labor that new immigrants put in to becoming a U.S. citizen,” Dakota Russell, executive director of the House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association, told us when discussing local immigration in the North Shore and the Gables’ settlement work, which includes citizenship and English-as-a-second-language classes.
“A typical participant in our classes may work multiple jobs and devote two or three evenings a week to improving their English,” Russell added, noting that his students do this in addition to ensuring they are complying with immigration laws. “Our students are some of the hardest working people I know.”
So, the question before us is not whether to welcome immigrants — Marblehead’s values make clear our support for lawful immigration. Rather, it is how to put those values into action to give our local immigrants welcomed support and assistance.
When looking to act, we must recognize that our immigrant neighbors, colleagues and friends face several significant challenges. Foremost among them is that many lack the established support networks that other vulnerable groups can access for housing, banking, healthcare, and understanding our laws and regulations.
That is where organizations like The Gables come into play by supporting educational initiatives in our immigrant community. There are also many other local institutions and organizations through which we can support our foreign-born community members. Some notables include our very own houses of worship, several of which participate in the Welcome the Stranger project, and the Essex County Community Foundation, which maintains a list of local, vetted nonprofit organizations seeking support and volunteers for their work to address immigration needs across Essex County.
We recognize the generosity that Marblehead residents already show toward supporting numerous worthy causes. That is one of our community’s defining strengths. As we weigh the many demands on our time and resources, let us remember that supporting our immigrant neighbors isn’t just another worthy cause aligned with our values — it’s an investment in our town’s future.
