IIBA launches I’M IIBA campaign to stand with Bay Area immigrants
The Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) is launching a new campaign – called I’M IIBA – uplifting what we know to be the true character and positive contributions of immigrants in the Bay Area. Our 106-year history of working with immigrant communities to provide legal services, education and civic engagement opportunities has informed that knowledge.
“IIBA is pushing back against the anti-immigrant rhetoric and xenophobic narrative that have been dominating our nation’s political discourse,” said Ellen Dumesnil, executive director of IIBA.
“IIBA stands up for immigrants because we know that their collective courage, resilience and optimism are what make our Bay Area community better,” Dumesnil said. “The I’M IIBA campaign recognizes that immigrants aren’t ‘them.’ Immigrants are a part of ‘us.’”
Featured on billboards, buses and at BART stations throughout the Bay Area, the I’M IIBA campaign spotlights clients, staff and volunteers who are immigrants bringing their unique livelihoods and talents to our community. I’M IIBA campaign participants show us how:
Immigrants are athletes, artists and musicians.
Immigrants are medical workers and first responders.
Immigrants are caregivers and housekeepers.
Immigrants are children and the elderly.
Immigrants are business owners and taxpayers.
Immigrants are students and working professionals.
Immigrants are innovators and entrepreneurs.
I’M IIBA is an ongoing campaign that celebrates the stories of immigrants making a positive impact throughout the Bay Area – from downtown San Francisco to Uptown Oakland; from the tech circles of Silicon Valley to the wine industry in Napa Valley; from the farms of Sonoma County to the college campuses of Contra Costa, San Mateo and Alameda counties.
The I’M IIBA campaign aims to encourage others to join IIBA in standing in solidarity with immigrants in our community. Follow the I’M IIBA campaign on social media: #IMIIBA