Home 9 Immigration 9 2024 Immigration Series 9 Series Introduction: The Diversity of Immigrants and Refugees in Wisconsin

A Place to Call Home

Wisconsin has been shaped by successive waves of newcomers seeking refuge, opportunity, and a place to call home. From the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited these lands for millennia, to the waves of early European settlers who established farming communities, to the influx of Hmong refugees escaping the aftermath of the Vietnam War, each wave of immigrants has left an indelible mark on the state’s identity.

Centering Voices

Today, Wisconsin stands as a microcosm of America’s immigrant story, characterized by a mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. According to the 2022 American Community Survey, of the 5.9 million people living in Wisconsin, 295,000 are immigrants, which is five percent of the total population. But, behind these statistics lie individual narratives of resilience, adaptation, and aspiration that shape the immigrant experience. As Wisconsin grapples with the complex challenges of immigration and racial justice, we must listen to the voices and experiences of immigrants.

Embracing a pro-immigrant and antiracist stance requires dismantling structural barriers, investing in inclusive economic development initiatives, and fostering cross-cultural understanding and solidarity. Most importantly, by centering the voices of immigrants themselves, we can gain insights into the complexities of their journeys—the sacrifices made, the barriers encountered, and the aspirations pursued.

Immigration Series

As a multicultural, antiracist organization, we are hosting an immigration and refugee series to explore the immigrant narrative. The foundation of the series is a combination of collective values of inclusivity and respect for human dignity. The series highlights the significance and diversity of the immigrant narrative in shaping the past, present, and future of Wisconsin: