Letter from the Executive Director/Founder

Dear Friends,

America is talking about immigration. Upwardly Global has a clear vision of immigrant Americans as potential leaders in the economy and the community.

We are lucky that the promise of freedom, opportunity and the American Dream brings to our shores some of the best educated, trained and skilled individuals from around the world. Yet at any given time nearly 250,000 immigrant professionals are experiencing the reverse American Dream, working in low-wage service jobs that pay $10/hr or less. We are 230 years into our history as an immigrant nation. We can do better.

Today we had our first Interview Practice Session at Upwardly Global's new office in New York City. After the interviews, I asked our volunteers to describe the immigrant jobseekers. These are the words they used: Experienced, passionate, and brave.

Upwardly Global is not a political organization; we are a practical organization. Success stories are the best voice we have in the immigration debate. We need to create more of them. More immigrants returned to the careers they love, more thriving immigrant families, more employers practicing immigrant inclusion, and more Americans opening the door to opportunity for newer Americans. As of June 5th we are working with experienced, passionate and brave immigrant Americans on both coasts. Next comes expansion to the South, Midwest and beyond. We need your help. Please join us.

Yours truly,

Jane Leu
Executive Director and Founder