Search

Willits, F., Sherow, S., & Prins, E., & Toso, B. W. Pennsylvania’s forgotten rural immigrants: Strengthening Pennsylvania’s diverse communities. Funder: College of Agricultural Sciences Seed Grant Program, Pennsylvania State University ($14,770). 2006-08

  • The goal of this study was to contribute to public understanding of rural immigrants in Pennsylvania. The study addressed the following objectives: (1) to describe the characteristics of various immigrant groups in selected rural counties of Pennsylvania as perceived by knowledgeable informants in those counties; (2) to assess the perceptions of these key informants concerning community receptivity of these immigrants; and (3) to determine the types of difficulties that informants perceive immigrants encounter and the availability and use of community social services. The data sources included a survey and key informant interviews with adult ESL providers. Of the 30 rural counties with 500 or more residents who spoke English “less than very well” (per US Census data), 22 (73%) were represented in the survey and 21 (70% percent) in subsequent interviews.
  • ESL providers’ depictions of local responses to immigrants ranged from welcoming to hostile. They identified four constellations of factors that influenced receptivity: national and local politics, the labor market and immigrant occupations, immigrants’ ability to look or act like native‐born residents, and community institutions. This study reveals how differing contexts of reception are believed to influence immigrants' incorporation into rural communities. It also highlights the role of educators and educational institutions in creating a welcoming atmosphere that supports immigrants' socioeconomic well‐being.