Immigrants have been working and building lives in Nebraska for generations.
At Nebraska Appleseed, we believe that our state has everything to gain from welcoming these new residents with open hearts and minds.
A welcoming environment not only helps newcomers become stronger, more valuable members of the community; it also helps the community itself take in and benefit from fresh perspectives.
With this in mind, Nebraska Appleseed is working to rebuild the immigration system – and to reframe the conversation about immigration – in our state.
Nebraska Appleseed believes there should be a clear roadmap to citizenship for aspiring Americans. Our communities and economy benefit from the contributions made by new Americans, and we work with our federal leaders to make that path to citizenship as clear and accessible as possible.
Current Projects & Initiatives:
DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
DACA has provided stability and security for nearly 800,000 Dreamers across the country. Thanks to the program, Dreamers have continued their education, pursued careers, and provided a better future for themselves and their families. After the Trump administration cancelled DACA in 2017, uncertainty replaced the security that DACA had provided for over six years. It is time for Congress to act and pass a permanent solutions that allows Dreamers to continue to fully participate in the country they know as home.
- DACA Youth in Nebraska
- 5 Things to Know About DACA
- DACA Litigation Summary
- University of Nebraska DACA FAQ
- DACA Renewal Resources
- Scholarship Guide
- Other resources
TPS – Temporary Protected Status
TPS holders have been an essential part of the fabric of our communities for over twenty years. They have raised families, started new businesses, and contributed culturally and economically to the communities they cherish as home. The forced deportation of TPS holders from seven out of the eleven countries designated, could lead to a family separation crisis of epic proportions. The only solution is for Congress to pass a permanent legislative solution that allows families to stay together, continue working, raising their families and contributing to our communities.
- CheckCatholic Legal Immigration Network for updated TPS resources available in Spanish and other languages
- TPS Extended for Sudan, Nicaragua, Haiti and El Salvador through January 2, 2020 – CLINIC announcement
- Nebraskan TPS families
- Check National TPS Alliance for TPS lawsuit information
- Read about how the TPS cancellation affects local families
Public Charge
Though it is not in effect yet, the government has proposed a change in the public charge rule that forces millions of families to choose between the things they need and the people they love. If the government determines that a person is likely to become a “public charge,” it can deny a person admission to the U.S. or lawful permanent residence (“green card”). Working families should be able to meet their essential needs – keeping the lights on, feeding their kids, getting medical care – without fear of losing their chance to become lawful permanent residents.
To learn more, read this fact-sheet available in English and Spanish and join Protecting Immigrant Families for more resources.
Immigrants in Nebraska
Nebraska has a small but growing immigrant population. About 7% of the state’s population was born in another country. Immigrants are a critical component of the Nebraskan labor force: 17 percent of the state’s computer and math science professionals are immigrants, as are 18 percent of Nebraskans working in the production industry. As workers, business owners, taxpayers, and neighbors, immigrants are an integral part of Nebraska’s diverse and thriving communities and make extensive contributions that benefit all. For more information see Immigrants in Nebraska.
General Immigration Resources
Welcoming Communities
Nebraska Appleseed believes our communities are stronger when all people feel welcome, so we are proud to take part in events that create a welcoming atmosphere. We work to develop leaders at a local level and strive to connect leaders with each other for betterment of our communities.
Publications | Nebraska Is Home | On Our Blog
Workers Rights & Safety
Nebraska Appleseed joins together with Nebraska workers to create safer workplaces in our state with the goal of reducing the astonishingly high injury rate in meatpacking plants. We create employee education programs to inform all workers on their right to a safe workplace.