Sorry we're closed signage hanged on glass door

Imagine for a moment...

It's 1973.

You’re driving down Bleecker Street in Utica, NY.

It’s a neighborhood street lined with houses—though none feel like homes anymore.

Another house is ablaze.

It’s the third fire this month. Smoke hangs heavy, turning daylight to dusk. The street stands silent—no familiar faces, just shadows and ash.

Another family, gone. Another home traded for an insurance payout. Utica is becoming Arson City.

Next stop.

You decide to pick up a few things from the store.

Where once the air smelled of fresh bread, now there’s only emptiness. 'For Sale' and 'Sorry We’re Closed' signs decorate the windows.

The storefronts with familiar and smiling faces are now gone.

You start to realize that the place you know so well and have always called home ...

...is slowly fading away.

Fast forward.

Now, imagine driving down the same street 30+ years later. Something is different. New homes have been built. New families have moved in. The street is buzzing with children's laughter as they play.

You catch a whiff of fresh bread. It's coming from the new bakery that opened down the street. You smile. Utica is alive again.

So, what happened? Simply put: Immigration.

But, before we dive into Utica’s immigration story, it’s important to clarify the two groups we’ll be talking about: immigrants and refugees. You’ll hear both terms throughout, sometimes separately and sometimes combined. In general, when we refer to “immigrants,” especially in the data, we’re including both immigrants and refugees.

Immigrant vs. Refugee. You might be wondering: What’s the difference between an immigrant and a refugee? Aren't they the same thing? Let’s break it down.

Immigrant: An immigrant is an individual who moves by choice, oftentimes for better economic, education, family reunification, etc. Refugee: A refugee is an individual who is forced to flee their country due to persecution, war, or other reasons, and cannot safely return home.

While we acknowledge that residency status is a complex issue, we've included data on both authorized and unauthorized immigrants, as both groups make valuable contributions to the U.S. economy.

Ready? Let’s get back to Utica's story and explore how a city on the brink found its way back.

The Evolution of Utica’s Population: 1960s to now.

1960s - Population Decline.

Following industrial downturns, Utica's population begins to decrease significantly. A city once home to over 100,000 citizens will see its number drop to nearly half in less than 2 decades.

1970s - A new home.

In 1979, the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees - MVRCR (now known as The Center) was founded, marking the start of organized refugee resettlement in the city.

Vietnamese Amerasian refugees are the first to arrive.

1980s - Foundations of a Refugee City.

Throughout the decade, Utica saw waves of refugees from Cambodia, Laos, Poland, and the Soviet Union. MVRCR (The Center) continued providing critical support services.

1990s - A Community Stabilized by Resettlement.

From 1993-2002, more than 4,500 refugees from Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia settled in Utica.

This influx helped stabilize Utica's population, which had been in decline since the 1970s.

2000s - Continued Growth in Diversity.

Refugees from Myanmar, Iraq, Nepal, Somalia, and Sudan moved to Utica, further diversifying the community.

2010 to Today - Ongoing Resettlement and Community Development.

By 2010, the city’s population began to grow once again. Today, Utica is home to over 63,000 residents with almost a quarter of the population, 22% to be exact, consisting of immigrants and refugees.

This diverse community has enriched Utica’s economy and culture, with over 40 languages spoken in local schools, reflecting the profound impact of resettlement on everyday life.

What lies ahead.

Utica’s transformation into a multicultural hub shows the undeniable benefits of immigration on urban revitalization. However, as immigration policies remain a point of political contention, the future of cities like Utica is uncertain, but one thing is clear: immigration has been key to Utica's revival.

A Closer Look: Economic Impact of Immigration on Utica, NY.

Utica, like many cities in the Rust Belt—a region in the northeastern and midwestern U.S. known for its once-thriving manufacturing industries that have since declined—experienced a significant economic downturn in the late 20th century. Factory closures, the relocation of major employers, and changing consumer shopping habits—marked by the rise of shopping malls—created challenges that reshaped the city's landscape.

As jobs disappeared, many residents left in search of work, while others stayed as the city faced ongoing decline. However, starting in the late 20th century, waves of immigrants and refugees, fleeing global conflicts and crises, began arriving in Utica. With their arrival, the city found new hope and, in many ways, a second chance.

Immigrants, including refugees, didn’t just move to Utica—they rebuilt it. Here’s how:

Immigrants in Utica aren’t just getting by—they’re helping to rebuild the city, the region, and the local economy. Their hard work and ideas are bringing new life to the area and creating a better future for everyone.

In May 2025, Chobani announced it will spend $1.2 billion to build a new plant in Rome, NY, not far from Utica. The new plant will create over 1,000 jobs, many of them open to immigrants and refugees. This project will help the local economy and give more families a chance to work and grow. Chobani’s first plant, started by Turkish immigrant Hamdi Ulukaya in New Berlin, has already made a big difference. People from 27 countries work there, showing how important immigrants are to the company’s success. Ulukaya’s promise to hire immigrants has helped both Chobani and the community become stronger and more diverse.

But Utica’s story is not unique. Many other Rust Belt Cities can credit their comeback to immigration.

Let’s explore other Rust Belt cities that faced similar economic challenges and were revitalized by immigration.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Immigrants drive 96% of small business growth and 75% of workforce expansion since 2000.

They contribute $165 million in state and local taxes.

Detroit, Michigan

Immigrants make up 8% of the population but are behind 1,300+ local businesses.

They contribute $310.4 million annually in state and local taxes.

Cleveland, Ohio

Immigrants own 38,000 businesses, generating nearly $1 billion in income.

They contribute $481.9 million in taxes.

St. Louis, Missouri

Immigrants have helped revitalize local business districts, with more than 1,400 immigrant entrepreneurs launching businesses in the region. Organizations like STL Mosaic Project continue to support their growth by offering resources, mentorship, and connections to help immigrant entrepreneurs thrive.

They contribute $388.5 million in taxes.

Middletown, Ohio

Nearly all recent growth in Middletown is due to immigrants, helping reverse a 10% population decline and boosting downtown activity and tax revenue.

Immigrants are filling jobs in manufacturing, retail, and healthcare—especially in sectors facing shortages like construction and landscaping.

About 1 in 5 students are now Hispanic/Latino. Immigrant families have helped stabilize school funding through increased enrollment in English-language programs.

Buffalo, New York

Immigrants operate 1,466 businesses in the city.

They contribute $498.7 million in taxes and have $1.1 billion in spending power.

Immigrants have been key to the economic growth of Sun Belt cities, like Houston, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Charlotte, NC, and Atlanta, GA, by driving the success of key industries and supporting local economies by filling labor gaps, starting businesses, and contributing to homeownership and property values. The influx of immigrants has helped transform many of these cities into diverse, thriving communities that attract both businesses and workers.

By the numbers: Immigration and the U.S. Economy.

As we navigate today’s economic challenges—it’s clear that change is constant. These changes ripple through our communities, our neighborhoods, and our wallets. We’ve seen powerful examples of immigration revitalizing local economies, and the broader picture shows that immigration plays a vital role in the strength and resilience of the U.S. economy.

Yet, Americans remain divided on the topic of immigration. Although decades of data and research paint a positive picture, misconceptions continue to spread. From local communities to social media and mainstream outlets, narratives like “they take our jobs” or “immigrants don’t pay taxes” dominate the conversation, fueling fear and division. But when we look at the evidence, a different, more accurate story begins to emerge—one rooted in facts, not fear. Let's consider the data:

"They take jobs from Americans."

Reality: Not true. They actually fill important roles where workers are needed and help create more jobs by supporting business growth.

18.6% of the U.S. workforce is foreign-born, many filling critical roles in healthcare, agriculture, and construction—sectors where labor is in short supply.
Immigrants tend to compete for jobs with other immigrants, not with native-born workers.
Instead of displacing American workers, immigrants often support job creation by helping businesses grow and meet demand.

"Immigrants don’t pay taxes."

Reality: Immigrants pay billions in taxes each year and often contribute to programs like Social Security and Medicare without receiving benefits in return.

Immigrants—both documented and undocumented—contributed $651.9 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2023 alone.
They also pay into Social Security and Medicare, often without ever claiming the benefits.

"Immigrants don’t contribute to the economy."

Reality: Immigrants start more businesses—founding 40% of Fortune 500 companies and half of all U.S. unicorn startups—creating millions of jobs in the process.

Immigrants are nearly twice as likely to start a business as U.S.-born citizens—and those businesses are vital sources of new jobs.
More than 40% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children, employing millions across the country.
Immigrants are behind 36% of all U.S. patents, fueling innovation, industries, and economic growth.
Immigration helps balance an aging population and fewer births in the U.S., which keeps programs like Social Security and Medicare strong.
They played a key role in post-pandemic recovery and continue to help rebuild struggling industries and communities.

"They rely on welfare and other government services."

Reality: Immigrants use fewer public benefits than natives, as undocumented immigrants are ineligible and documented immigrants often face strict eligibility requirements, while contributing more to the economy through essential, low-wage jobs.

Immigrants are less likely than native-born Americans to use public benefits even though they pay into them.
Many work in low-wage, high-demand jobs that keep key sectors afloat, and they contribute far more than they receive.
Undocumented immigrants are generally ineligible for public benefits, and documented immigrants often face strict eligibility requirements and waiting periods before qualifying for assistance.

"They don’t integrate."

Reality: Refugees stay in jobs longer, and immigrant children often do better than their parents.

The children of immigrants often surpass their parents in education and income, showing strong upward mobility and assimilation.
Refugees have 50% lower turnover rates, offering employers greater workforce stability.

When we decide to look past the misconceptions and look at the data, we see the reality. Immigrants don't pose a threat to our jobs, our wallets, or our communities. They aren’t draining our economy—they’re helping drive it forward. They’re creating opportunities for all of us.

We all share the same American Dream.

Let's not forget one thing: Immigrants aren’t just statistics. They’re our neighbors, our colleagues, our friends.

When we talk about immigration, we often zoom in on the numbers, but we can’t lose sight of the most important part of the story: immigrants are human beings.
Behind every data point is a person—someone who made the difficult decision to leave behind everything familiar. Many didn't want to leave, but were forced to because of war, persecution, or lack of opportunity. Uprooting a life isn’t easy. It takes resilience, courage, and hope.

Just ask anyone who is an immigrant or refugee. They’ll be quick to tell you that what lies behind them is part of the past now, and that the future is here, in their new home with their new community.

Here are just a few of their stories.

Take Mersiha Omeragić and her family—a refugee from Bosnia who arrived in Utica seeking a fresh start. Before opening her business, Mersiha spent 13 years as an ESL teacher working closely with refugees and helping them navigate their new lives. In 2019, she was recognized with the Teacher of the Year award from NYACCE.

Her oldest son has followed in her footsteps and now teaches ESL to adults at MVCC and The Center.

In 2020, just a month before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Mersiha and her husband—who graduated from culinary school—opened Yummilicious Café & Bakery. What began as a shared love for baking and a dream (with Mersiha making cakes alongside her husband) quickly grew into a full-fledged family endeavor. Thanks to the tireless support of their four children, they weathered the challenges of the pandemic and kept their dream alive.

Since then, Yummilicious has grown into a cultural hub—a welcoming space where neighbors gather, newcomers feel at home, and the community thrives. Visitors are greeted with a warm smile—or even a hug—from Mersiha or another member of the Omeragić crew, making everyone feel like family.

Beyond running the restaurant, the Omeragićs actively give back: they help other immigrants adjust to life in Utica, offer English language support, and extend the same kindness that once welcomed them.

In recognition of her impact, Mersiha was honored with the New York State Senate Commendation Award in 2024—a tribute to her contributions as a community leader and advocate for refugees.

Meet Lina Lien and her family. Raised in Utica’s local schools and shaped by her parents’ determination, Lina grew up learning the value of hard work and community. From a young age, she and her siblings pitched in at the family store, discovering what it means to support one another and serve with heart.

Today, as the owner of Lina’s Nail Studio, she carries forward her parents’ legacy—a story rooted in resilience, family, and care.

Lina’s parents, Phong Lien and Dung Lu, arrived in Utica from Vietnam in the early 1990s, carrying hopes for a better future. Not long after settling in, they were offered the chance to take over a small Asian market. With determination and care, they built Nguyen Phat Oriental Store—a neighborhood fixture for nearly 30 years.

But it’s always been more than a store. It’s a place where immigrants find familiar foods and a helping hand. When times are tough, families know they can count on the Lien family—whether it’s paying for groceries later or simply being treated with dignity.

Meet my family. We’ve called Utica home since 1999. As refugees from Bosnia, we arrived looking for a fresh start, and quickly found that this city, despite its challenges, held great potential.

Growing up, I often heard the negative stereotypes about immigration, but my own experience was different. I never understood where those ideas came from, because my reality didn’t match.

After college and some time in New York City, I decided to return to Utica and continue my journey here. I’ve always seen the potential in this city—the unique spirit of its people, the strength of its community, and the chance to build something even greater.

Today, I’m proud to tell Utica’s story—because it’s our story. It’s my story.

Immigrants and refugees, like myself, have helped shape this city in quiet, powerful ways. We’ve opened businesses, raised families, built communities, and breathed new life into neighborhoods.

And these are just three Utica stories out of thousands. Zoom out to the U.S., and you’ll find millions more—stories of immigrants, refugees, and everyday people who have built lives from hope, resilience, and hard work.

Their Stories, Our Stories