A pivotal discussion at the Harrisonburg City/EMU Liaison Committee meeting on August 7 focused on enhancing support for the immigrant community through educational initiatives. Council members highlighted the challenges faced by immigrants and refugees, particularly regarding the recognition of their professional qualifications in the U.S.

The Welcoming Harrisonburg Council, a group of community leaders, is actively working to connect immigrants with resources to help them navigate these barriers. Councilman emphasized the need for Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) to play a crucial role in this effort by evaluating the credentials of immigrant professionals and offering tailored courses to help them meet state licensing requirements.

“Many immigrants arrive with degrees and experience but struggle to find work in their fields due to unrecognized qualifications,” the councilman stated. He proposed that EMU could provide a pathway for these individuals to gain the necessary certifications locally, rather than forcing them to seek education far from home. This initiative could not only retain skilled professionals in Harrisonburg but also enrich the local workforce.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the pressing need for interpreters within the community. With a growing demand for language services in healthcare and legal settings, the council discussed the importance of training programs to certify interpreters in various languages, including Spanish, Arabic, and Amharic.

The council concluded with a commitment to further explore these initiatives and collaborate with the Welcoming Harrisonburg Council to ensure that immigrants receive the support they need to thrive in their new home. The next steps include organizing a follow-up meeting to continue these vital discussions and develop actionable plans.