An immigration success story in the heartland

The challenges that have mounted against Marshalltown, Iowa, wouldn't surprise most people used to living in rural places across the United States. In a new piece for the Times-Republican newspaper in Marshalltown, Rural Democracy Initiative Communications and Policy Director Michael Chameides lays out the many hardships locals have faced in the small town: economic distress, a natural disaster, and massive immigration raids.

But the response from townspeople, who rallied together around their friends and neighbors to secure federal funding that helped save small businesses, shows a powerful path forward for rural communities.

In the local press, Michael makes the case that Marshalltown should stand as an example of how to tackle real problems with inclusivity and empowerment, instead of federal policies that destroy families, cripple economies, and take away essential resources like food and healthcare.

"As ICE raids terrorize communities large and small, Americans should take a lesson from Marshalltown and tell Congress: We’re stronger when everyone is free to participate and contribute," Michael writes.