Creating A Welcoming Culture For New Americans

As we observe Citizenship Day today, it’s important to remember that for many immigrants their most difficult journey begins after they reach the United States.

Challenges abound such as navigating a complicated immigration system, acclimating to a new culture and possibly having to learn a new language. According to Pew Research, a majority of Americans (62%) agree that this country’s openness to people from around the world is "essential to who we are as a nation." That said, anti-immigrant rhetoric is gaining momentum, and not for the first time in American history.

Today new arrivals are getting active support from a source some might find surprising - corporate America. The business community is stepping up to the need to welcome new Americans as a natural part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

A group of major US companies came together on September 9th to officially launch the Corporate Roundtable for the New American Workforce. The Roundtable was created in partnership with the National Immigration Forum (NIF), to advance strategies that help immigrants integrate into the American workforce and apply their full talents to American society.

Walmart, along with Chobani, are the founding members and co-chairs of this collaboration. Our leadership commitment to the Roundtable is a logical fit with Walmart's inclusive culture. At Walmart, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture where associates feel welcome, comfortable and safe to bring their whole selves to work, and are engaged and empowered to reach their full potential. 

Through support from our long-standing partners at NIF, we provide access to NIF’s New American Workforce Portal. This online resource is available to Walmart associates and their families who have recently immigrated to America. Its purpose is to help them navigate the often-complicated process of obtaining U.S. citizenship. Since its Spring 2017 launch, more than 600 Walmart associates and family members have used the portal, and started their journey towards naturalization.

One of those associates is Cindy Alfaro (pg.41).

Cindy started at the Walmart Home Office in 2016, where she performed well and was quickly promoted. She came to the U.S. from Mexico as a teenager and was working here on a residency permit. She wanted the security and sense of belonging that comes with being a U.S. citizen. Her citizenship wish was fulfilled just six months after she first visited the portal.  

“At Walmart, you can go anywhere you want, and there’s always something to do, something to make better,” Cindy said. "The security and peace of mind I have now – no one can take that from me. This is my home, and it feels amazing.”

We want to help the rest of the New American Workforce feel that same sense of belonging. That’s why we're providing immigrant families within Walmart the support of English language instruction and help with the citizenship process.

The launch of the Roundtable ensures a collective effort to develop strategies to create a welcoming environment for all newcomers and build communities where all can thrive. It's an initiative focused on creating shared value for our associates, customers, and our company, and one that emphasizes the importance of investing in the future of America.

As an African American who grew up during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and '60s, I see the parallels between that struggle and today's need to speak up on behalf of immigrant families. Both efforts involve opening the doors of opportunity. 

The business community was mostly a spectator during the civil rights movement of my youth. That’s why I’m proud we're an active player in today's movement to welcome immigrants.

And in the words of Cindy Alfaro, it feels amazing.