Growing numbers of immigrants are settling in New York's rural communities and bringing with them opportunities for mutually beneficial relationships.

A growing proportion of current immigrants to the United States are settling in some of the most remote rural communities of New York State. Sometimes they easily integrate into the communities but, at other times, their presence creates tensions with long-time residents. Cornell University researchers have worked intensively with five New York communities to identify immigrant and community needs, opportunities, and obstacles for immigrant integration in rural communities. The researchers have found that personal bonds exist between and among workers and farmers that are a form of "social capital." Yet when they settle in rural communities, they are almost completely isolated from other social groups. As a result, a variety of community development opportunities may be missed. Communities may not be able to capture the full potential of the human resources brought by the immigrants, and immigrants may not realize their full potential as members of these communities.

Researchers have held more than a dozen forums with a variety of community groups and agencies to report some of the needs reported to researchers by immigrants and community members. Several local planning and health agencies, as well as community groups, have begun exploring ways to develop programming that addresses the needs of immigrants. The researchers also have met with state-level agency and elected officials to inform them of the demographic change in rural communities and some of the opportunities such changes might present. The first of a series of reports has been distributed to 1,500 readers statewide including community members, public officials, service providers, and educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension. All state legislators have received copies of the report, as have extension educators throughout New York. The researchers completed this series and distributed it through 2005. The report and related policy briefs are available online at http://www.rnyi.cornell.edu/poverty_and_social_inequality.

Communities and community leaders have begun evaluating their potential development issues and opportunities associated with immigrants settling in the area. Some communities have become more aware of the presence of immigrants. Some agencies (planning, health, and education) have begun to expand services for immigrants in targeted communities. Print, radio, and television media have carried stories on this research and disseminated the findings to a broad public throughout New York State. The results of the research should be broadly useful in community and rural development efforts.

• Other USDA (e.g., Water Quality, Special Grants, NRI)
• USDA Fund for Rural America

• Max J. Pfeffer
• Pilar A. Parra