Michigan, and Detroit in particular, has focused on bringing in immigrants to help the area grow. Several programs are helping migrant business owners succeed in their new home. Hatch Detroit helped Hamissi Mamba, a refugee from Burundi, start his own African-inspired restaurant. Motor City Match supplies funding for businesses, and Global Detroit helps make “Detroit more attractive and welcoming for immigrants.” Together, these groups are succeeding.

The nonprofit GirlForward operates in Chicago and Austin, and is working to help young refugee girls learn skills and thrive in America. The intensive mentoring and tutoring program has shown results for girls who are otherwise navigating new responsibilities on their own.

A program known as Conrad 30 is helping some foreign-born doctors gain the ability to practice medicine in the U.S. by waiving the need for a visa. Although there are concerns about tying a visa to a job, many doctors have been able to obtain their citizenship and continue practicing in the U.S. independent of the program.

Deliveristas Unidos started as a WhatsApp group for local delivery workers to connect, but over time it turned into a mobilized organization of thousands of delivery workers ready to take to the streets to protect their rights as workers. Through their organizing, the group managed to get a legislative package passed that enacted several laws that guaranteed their rights and protections, including access to bathrooms in restaurants across the city, transparent communication with delivery apps about tips, as well as hourly pay.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is an immigrant services agency that connects immigrants with the resources they need to adjust to life in Canada. The group helps an average of 73,000 people each year from more than 150 countries and provides assistance in finding affordable housing, English language training, career and social services and accessing care for seniors.

With a lack of government aid and interference, border communities are stepping up to care for both migrants and local residents through efforts like The Sidewalk School and Casa de la Esperanza — nonprofits that offer shelter, programming and resource centers for migrants and locals in need.