The welcome mat, or lack thereof, for Hispanic immigrants in Missouri was the topic of the Cambio de Colores breakout IV session “Reception: The Climate of Changing Communities and Implications on Policy.” The session was a panel discussion. Panelists included Corinne Valdavia, associate professor of Agricultural Economics at MU, Anne Dannerbeck, assistant professor of Social Work at MU, Sylvia Lazos, professor of Law at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Keith Jamtgaard, associate professor of Rural Sociology at MU, and Stephen Jeanetta, State Specialist for Community Development for the University of Missouri Extension.

The five panelists took turns addressing the reception that immigrants receive in Missouri. Topics included average income for immigrants in Missouri, as well as positive and negative receptions in rural Missouri schools.

Ideas for creating a more welcoming climate were also presented by Jeanetta and Lazos. Centro Latinos were presented as examples of community organizations that create a positive climate.  

Lazos also encouraged dialogue with local and federal leaders to create more positive climates for immigrants. 

“The most important thing to get from this session,” Lazos said, “is to understand that the welcome mat is dynamic, it’s always changing, and each of you can help make a difference.”