How one Utah city bucks the divide over immigration

For Mayor Lorin Palmer, the first alert about changes underway in the town of Herriman, Utah, came from a school principal. A teacher shortage at the high school seemed imminent as the number of immigrant students soared.

Since then, Mayor Palmer has focused more on new arrivals, many from Venezuela, and how to match them with resources that support their self-sufficiency. Last month, Herriman City Hall hosted a resource fair, arranged by the state and nonprofits, where those eligible could apply for work authorization.  

“We’re trying to do the right thing,” says Mr. Palmer, a Spanish speaker, who spent a church mission in Uruguay. He’s called for more coordination from nonprofits, and supports a new community center that will offer free English classes. 

The local government is trying to build rapport with the new arrivals, many of whom fled governments they feared. Citing limited public resources, officials here don’t want to be perceived as a “sanctuary city” – but also recognize that trust among newcomers and longtime residents alike enables