In 1630, 700 people who sailed from England started a tradition of immigration that continues to shape the social, economic, and political landscape of Cambridge today, where over fifty languages may be heard on its city streets. Tracking changes in the racial composition of a city and understanding the factors that drive such change is a vital component to any policy and planning action.

It is important for Cambridge to understand the needs of its new residents so it can strive to meet them. This may mean city investment in ESL instruction, GED preparation, as well as job training and workforce development catered to immigrant groups.