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An article published by the Center for American Progress recommends that the United States invest more actively in the integration of its recent immigrant populations.

This goes far beyond English classes—government policy should also include civics instruction and incentives for businesses that educate their non-English speaking employees. The European Union, which has also seen unprecedented waves of immigration in the last decade, has established an integration forum, Web site, and an Integration Fund that will help each community help their newcomers.

Cities and counties in the United States who are seeing an influx of immigrants for the very first time will enjoy stronger economic growth, among other benefits, if they adapt to shifting populations.

Representative Honda eloquently explained this at the introduction of his legislation in 2008, stating, “As a country of immigrants we have always depended upon newcomers to fuel our progress…legislation that provides them educational tools is logical and good for our country…Their success is America’s success, and we should invest in it through sound education policies such as this.”

The U.S. lags behind the E.U. in terms of integration policy, but is starting to make a step forward. President Obama’s 2010 budget allocates $10 million for a new citizenship program, for example. Read more about what the U.S. is doing to integrate its newcomers here.