You Mean the World has a simple message:

Immigration works.

You Mean the World is a local Greater Cleveland campaign and exhibit that shares stories, information and portraits of immigrants who have come to Cleveland. Each person represented has become a citizen and has made this place even more vibrant, dynamic and successful. 

Cleveland has a time honored tradition of welcoming newcomers from the Irish, Italian and German immigrants in the 1800s and 1900s to the welcoming of newcomers from Asia, Africa and across the Americas in the past century. Our region is stronger for being welcoming. Our economy is stronger, our food is tastier and our lives richer for it. 

To the 22 participants in this campaign, and the many other immigrants who have arrived here, you mean the world to this city.