Tomorrow, November 5th, is Election Day. Opening Doors recognizes that this election is significant, particularly for the communities that we serve – immigrants, refugees, and survivors of human trafficking. We urge our community of welcome to take part in the electoral process and make your vote heard.

Immigrants and refugees are the backbone of the United States’ economy and we must continue our legacy of welcome. The contributions of immigrants and refugees make our communities stronger.

• Immigrants and refugees contribute $1 out of every $6 in taxes collected by federal, state, and local governments.

• Immigrants and refugees are 80% more likely to start a business than native-born Americans. 11-14% of immigrants and refugees open businesses.

• Immigrants help to address the nationwide shortage of healthcare professionals – 15.6% of nurses and 27.7% of health aides are immigrants.

• 23.1% of all STEM workers in the U.S. are immigrants.

• One in four workers in the agricultural and construction fields are immigrants.

• In 2022, immigrants paid $194.5 billion to Social Security, helping provide monthly benefits averaging $1,777 to 109.5 million people.

Regardless of the outcome of this election, Opening Doors remains dedicated to our mission and to our community. We will continue to engage in the work of welcome with unwavering dedication, committed to helping immigrants, refugees, and survivors of human trafficking to find a place of safety and belonging.

If you are not registered to vote, it is not too late. Eligible citizens who need to register or re-register to vote can complete this process at their county elections office, polling place, or vote center. Ballots will be processed and counted once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process. Find your polling place at: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place

Source: American Immigration Council, MIT News

By Rachel Robitz, Board Member

November 2024

In this election season, there has been a lot of discussion in the media about immigration. Unlike in previous election years, the discussion this year has moved beyond policy, and some politicians have made sweeping negative statements about who immigrants are. There have also been some acts of violence directed at our immigrant neighbors. At Opening Doors, we strongly believe our community is stronger and better because of our immigrant neighbors.

As a Psychiatrist and Family Physician, I have provided medical care to many refugees and immigrants as well as others from minoritized groups. I have seen the long-lasting impacts of the direct trauma that the individuals who I work with have experienced, but also the impacts of vicarious trauma.

We are excited to share that our Refugee Program Manager, Neptoune Nilofar Amin, was honored as a 2024 Molina Cares Community Champion! With over eight years at Opening Doors, Neptoune exemplifies a true commitment to welcoming and supporting refugees. Neptoune leads our team of 16 caseworkers and administrative staff, supporting nearly 2,000 refugee individuals each year.

Her dedication extends beyond her role here; she actively volunteers her time to uplift newcomers in our community. Neptoune takes an active role in helping new arrivals secure jobs, allowing them to support their families and contribute to their new community.

Neptoune has built strong relationships with a variety of social service organizations and government offices. Through these partnerships, she ensures that the individuals and families she serves have access to a wide range of resources and support as they navigate their new lives in the U.S.

As part of this recognition, Neptoune received a $5,000 grant to donate to an organization of her choice. She generously chose to contribute this amount back to Opening Doors, reinforcing her commitment to helping refugees achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and belonging.

Congratulations, Neptoune! We are proud to have you as part of our welcoming community.

Khoja enrolled in the Los Rios Respiratory Care Program with a dream of continuing his college education, but financial barriers stood in his way. With limited income, paying tuition fees became an insurmountable challenge, threatening to derail his studies. Determined not to give up, Khoja sought support from the Economic Prosperity Program, which provided the financial assistance he needed to stay in school without interruption.

Khoja’s journey was not just about his own success but also about lifting up his family. While he focused on his studies, his spouse received computer literacy training through the program. This newfound skill allowed her to excel in her own college assignments,

ensuring that both could advance in their educational pursuits together.

Thanks to the support of the Economic Prosperity Program, Khoja successfully completed his associate degree at Los Rios Community Colleges, earning 62 units, and is now on his way to transferring to Sacramento State University. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone for him and his family, who are now on a solid path toward a brighter future. Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of removing barriers to education, allowing individuals like Khoja to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their community.

Belonging begins here.