How USC creates value with immigrant data
Nearly half of the world's immigrants now live in developed countries, and this number will only grow in the years ahead. As immigration rates continue to rise, so will the need for accurate and reliable information about immigrants and their well-being. Thankfully, the University of Southern California has just released an in-depth website dedicated to this very topic.
The California Immigrant Data Portal examines how different groups of immigrants are faring in the state and how various policies and initiatives have impacted these groups over time. The data is presented through interactive graphs and maps, making a complex subject easy for readers to understand how their local communities are doing.
“Every aspect of the American economy has profited from the contributions of immigrants.”
The Data
Combing through socioeconomic data can be a tedious and exhaustive effort. Distilling that data into something anyone can draw conclusions from is a herculean task that requires focus, dedication, and a delicate narrative touch. I appreciate that USC chose to focus on the facts and layered their personal stories with conclusions that have evidence to support them.
Below you will find some screenshots of their data. Users can pull these screenshots directly from the website, making it a handy tool for creating presentations or reference material for specific conversations.
The Focus
One major takeaway is how the California Immigrant Data Portal shines a light on the significant contributions made by populations that are often overlooked. It’s this focal point that really drives home the principles USC lists on the home page:
“If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.”
Why is this so important?
Many policymakers agree that socio-economic data is important for immigrants, but there is still some debate about why this information is so crucial. Here are just a few of the reasons why socioeconomic data is so essential:
It can help policymakers understand the needs of the immigrant community.
It can help identify areas where immigrants are struggling most.
It can help policymakers develop targeted solutions to address these struggles.
It can help track the progress of immigrant communities over time.
All of this information is critical for policymakers as they work to improve the lives of immigrants in their communities. USC's website provides an invaluable resource in this effort, and we should be grateful for their efforts.
Looking Forward
I believe that we will see more of this type of data leveraged to promote communities where advocacy is needed. Data is a universal tool that tells us what is happening and can visually demonstrate areas that need improvement. If you are an advocate for a community that needs to add the power of data to your narratives, Contact us and we can show you how to find, analyze, and create compelling data for your stories.
