More Than Welcome: Are We Ignoring the Real Secret to a Welcoming Community?

As a nation, we are embroiled in a fierce, often painful, debate about immigration. The headlines are relentless. We hear that public opinion on newcomers has soured, and that immigrants are straining our social fabric.

This narrative of crisis shapes how communities across the country view their new neighbours. It fosters a simple, linear, and deeply pessimistic assumption about what is possible at the local level. The prevailing belief is that in an environment fueled by such negativity, newcomers who experience prejudice and friction cannot, and will not, feel like they truly belong.

But what if there’s more to it? What if finding a sense of belonging is more complicated—and slightly more optimistic—than we think?

Recent research from the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) reveals a surprising local story that contradicts what we often hear. The 2025 Survey of Newcomers revealed an unexpected finding. Temporary residents in rural Middlesex County reported facing more discrimination than those in the city of London; however, they also felt a stronger sense of belonging in their neighbourhoods and had more trust in their local community.

This finding prompts an important question: if belonging is not just about avoiding discrimination, what actually creates it?

One clue is the role of visibility. In a big city, newcomers can blend in and sometimes avoid direct prejudice because they are part of the crowd. But this same anonymity can make it hard to form close community ties. In a small town in Middlesex County, newcomers stand out more. This can sadly bring negative attention, like racism or unfair treatment. However, it can also bring out the best in people, with curious and welcoming neighbours, colleagues, and community members who go out of their way to connect.

Another key factor is interdependence. In smaller communities, people tend to rely on one another more. For example, a neighbour might give you a ride to work when your car is stuck in the snow, not because you’re close friends, but because it’s a long walk and they’re going that way. Or a colleague might make sure you’re invited to the town fair. These small acts of support build what researchers call social capital and, over time, create a strong sense of security and connection.

The research also shows that the workplace is a key part of helping newcomers feel included. Temporary residents in the county reported higher job satisfaction, often working in roles similar to their past careers. In smaller communities, the workplace is usually where newcomers make their first and strongest connections.

Consider a fictional Middlesex newcomer named Ana. Ana is a skilled technician. In her first year in Middlesex County, she endured racism at a grocery store and faced discrimination from a landlord. Some days she felt isolated.

Still, Ana’s supervisor made sure she felt included at work. When her car broke down, a neighbour helped her get to work on time. Her experience wasn’t perfect, but the closeness and interdependence she experienced with her neighbours helped her feel like she belonged.

This is the core of the paradox. Belonging doesn’t come from avoiding bad experiences, but from building real, meaningful connections.

The main point is that a welcoming community doesn’t just address shortcomings and problems; it also fosters a sense of belonging. It helps build those positive connections and mutual support. Leaders, employers, and residents should invest in building these strong ties, not just removing obstacles.

Let us be unequivocally clear: discrimination is real, it is harmful, and it must be eliminated. The challenges newcomers face are significant and demand our attention. But our findings show that while we fight prejudice, we cannot afford to ignore the powerful work of actively forging community bonds.

This research offers a case study with lessons for the whole country. It provides a hopeful story at a time when people feel divided. The real secret to a welcoming community goes beyond policies; it is about being there for each other in everyday life.