The Development of Innovative Integration Models in Los Angeles

• Author: Linda Lopez
• DOI: 10.1177/0002716220941896
• Published date: 01 July 2020
• Date: 01 July 2020
• Subject Matter: Sense-Making and Policy-Making

184 ANNALS, AAPSS, 690, July 2020

DOI: 10.1177/0002716220941896

The

Development of

Innovative

Integration

Models in Los

Angeles

By

LINDA LOPEZ

941896ANN The Annals of the American AcademyDevelopment of Innovative Integration Models in l.a.

research-article2020

Growth in international migration is attributable to

conflicts and war, food insecurity, violence, and lack of

economic opportunity. Additionally, according to the

World Bank, the world could see more than 140 million

people move within countries by 2050, and many

expect that climate change will lead to even greater

migration and displacement. Cities are on the front

lines in creating innovative policy and programs to inte-

grate immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Los

Angeles has developed programs and policies to ensure

that newcomers have the opportunity to thrive eco-

nomically, civically, and to obtain key city services such

as healthcare and financial support. This article exam-

ines a few innovative models aimed at addressing inte-

gration for migrant and refugee populations in L.A. and

provides recommendations for how cities can replicate

these models.

Keywords: U.S. cities; immigrants; integration; new-

comers; migrants and refugees

Many researchers expect that migration

flows will grow in the near future because

of climate change, violence and civil wars, per-

secution, and lack of economic opportunity.

The United Nations estimates that in 2019, the

total number of migrants reached 272 million

globally, with 70 million persons forcibly dis-

placed, including 26 million refugees, 3.5 mil-

lion asylum seekers, and 41 million internally

displaced persons (United Nations, n.d.). By

2050, estimates suggest that 68 percent of the

world’s population will live in urban areas.

Climate change, food scarcity, and disasters will

also influence global migration patterns. A

recent report from the World Bank, the first

comprehensive study examining climate change

Linda Lopez served as chief of the Office of Immigrant

Affairs for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. She is cur-

rently working on a book project focused on the nexus

between climate and migration.

Correspondence: lindaglopez@yahoo.com