I am amazed at the lengths immigrants will go to enter our country. They face violence on what is many times a year or longer journey facing losing what little they have to roadside thieves. The women are raped enroute and may bear children on the trip. Once they reach the border in Mexico, while waiting in camps, the rape of women has increased 70 percent by some accounts. Then they cross into Texas where they can’t get an abortion for an unwanted child. Then, there seems to be nationwide disdain for immigrants.
Immigrants play a crucial role in various industries in the United States, including construction, agriculture, meat processing, and the health sector. In states like Florida and Texas where they are trying to stop them, immigrants are essential in the construction of housing and the harvesting of food. In Nebraska, immigrants are heavily involved in the meat processing industry. The contributions of immigrants in these sectors are indispensable to the economy and society as a whole.
In the construction industry, immigrants make up a significant portion of the workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, immigrants accounted for 25% of all workers in the construction industry in 2020. Again, in Florida and Texas, where the demand for housing is high, immigrant workers play a key role in building homes and infrastructure. Their labor helps meet the demand for affordable housing and supports the growth of these states.
In the agriculture sector, immigrants play a critical role in harvesting crops and ensuring food security. In Florida, immigrants are heavily involved in the citrus, vegetable, and sugar cane industries. Recently, one farmer saw his crop spoil in the field because of a lack of workers. (see videos of crops spoiling in the field). According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, immigrants make up a large portion of the workforce in these sectors. Their contribution ensures a stable food supply for the state and the country.
In Nebraska, immigrants are essential in the meat processing industry. According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants make up a significant portion of the workforce in meat processing plants in states like Nebraska. Their labor is crucial in processing meat products that are consumed domestically and exported internationally. Without immigrant workers, the meat processing industry would struggle to meet consumer demand and maintain its competitiveness in the global market (Worker shortage concerns doom in immigrant-heavy meatpacking)
In the health sector, immigrants also play a vital role. According to the Migration Policy Institute, immigrants make up a large portion of the healthcare workforce in the United States. In states like Florida and Texas, immigrants work as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, providing essential services to the population. Their contributions help improve access to healthcare and address the growing healthcare needs of an aging population.
According to the Tampa Bay Times ; “The immigration system is too broken to ignore,” wrote business leaders in the construction, manufacturing, agriculture, landscaping and restaurant industries. They cited 10 million job openings across the country at the end of April and blamed “two years of lost immigration” as a contributing factor to their labor shortages.”
One of the factors that has made the US great has been our influence from immigrants. The contributions of immigrants in these sectors are not only economic but also social and cultural. Immigrants bring diversity and new perspectives to the workforce, enriching the overall work environment. They also contribute to the cultural fabric of communities, bringing a mix of traditions, languages, and experiences that enhance the social and cultural life of the country.
To enhance workforce sustainability and diversity, it is crucial to implement policies that support the integration of immigrants into the labor force. This includes providing access to education and training programs, supporting pathways to citizenship, and improving workplace conditions for immigrant workers. By investing in the skills and talents of immigrants, the country can ensure a diverse and sustainable workforce that meets the challenges of the future.
I can’t overlook the religious aspect of the governors of Texas and Florida and how they can justify their actions when both the New and the Old Testament speak of welcoming strangers.
Leviticus 19:33-34:
"‘When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’"
Hebrews 13:2:
“Be Not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”
With the except of Africa, most developing countries are seeing the birth rate dropping to a level below the replacement of dying people. As populations in many developed countries continue to age, there a growing concern about the economic impact of aging workforce on social security and retirement benefits. One potential solution that has been proposed is to increase immigration in order to bolster the workforce and help support funding for retirement benefits.
Data shows that birth rates in many developed countries have been declining, leading to a shrinking labor force and a larger proportion of elderly individuals who are in need of financial support. According to the United Nations, the proportion of people aged 65 and over is expected to more than double by 2050, reaching nearly 1.5 billion people globally. This demographic shift is putting strain on social security systems and retirement funds, as there are fewer working-age individuals contributing to these programs.
Immigration can help mitigate the effects of a shrinking birth rate by bringing in younger, working-age individuals who can contribute to the economy and support funding for social security and retirement benefits. Immigrants often fill labor shortages in key industries such as healthcare, technology, and agriculture, helping to drive economic growth and sustain the workforce. In the United States, for example, immigrants make up a significant portion of the labor force, with nearly 17% of the civilian workforce being foreign-born in 2020.
Immigration can play a crucial role in supporting the economy in an aging society by bolstering the workforce and contributing to funding for social security and retirement benefits. By implementing inclusive and supportive policies, policymakers can maximize the benefits of immigration while addressing potential challenges and ensuring a sustainable future for all members of society. Not only Texas and Florida who are the forefront of needs, but the rest of the US needs to pass immigration legislation addressing a national problem.
O am the author of “How the Food Industry is Killing Us” available as digitable and print on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and online book stores worldwide.