Summit will Explore Immigration Solutions for Nebraska's Workforce & Economy

LINCOLN, Nebraska — June 4, 2026 — The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) are convening the second Welcoming Workforce Summit on Thursday, July 23 at Holthus Convention Center in York. This summit is for Nebraska employers and organizations to learn and connect about today’s immigration landscape.
 
The event is sponsored by the Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities. The Alliance was established in 2024 and comprises more than 70 Nebraska organizations working to identify and effect change in state and federal policies to make Nebraska attractive to immigrants. 
 
“Immigrants and refugees are essential to Nebraska's workforce, economy, and communities. This summit will focus on real strategies to ensure Nebraska remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive,” said CIRA Director of Community Engagement Khenda Mustafa.
 
At a time when changing immigration policy is impacting Nebraska’s economy and communities, the summit will create space for business leaders, organizations and policy makers to have conversation and identify practical solutions grounded in the broad support Nebraskans share for immigration policies that help families thrive and keep local systems strong.
 
"Our state relies on new Nebraskans to fill our ever-increasing workforce needs, and we must challenge ourselves to identify ways to recruit and retain people,” said Matt Williams, interim president of the NE Chamber. “Immigrant workers are an essential part of our state’s economic success. At this welcoming workforce summit, we can come together to share successes, discuss challenges, and work to keep our state growing and thriving.”
 
Through panel discussions, workshops, and a resource fair, attendees will gain practical guidance on immigration law and employer rights and responsibilities while learning how to strengthen and support their workforce. An inaugural summit was convened in 2024 by CIRA and the NE Chamber.
 
The event is open to the public and registration is required, at bit.ly/4dIEUT4.
 
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