"A tighter supply of immigrant workers could put upward pressure on wages and prices in sectors that employ a lot of such workers, such as construction, food processing, restaurants and hospitality," Paul Kiernan of The Wall Street Journal writes as part of a thorough look at how President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration plans could affect job growth and the economy.
Meanwhile, many Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are worrying for their futures under the upcoming Trump administration, reports Gabriel Sandoval of the Associated Press.
Though the incoming administration’s specific path to ending the program remains unclear, his attempt during his first term is sparking concern over a possible second try. Already, DACA is the subject of a case before the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and then it could land at the Supreme Court.
Existing recipients may renew, but no new applications have been processed since 2021. And recipients are concerned that mass deportation could include them.
"I have to take his (Trump’s) words very seriously," said Reyna Montoya, who leads Arizona-based advocacy organization Aliento [and was a speaker at our recent convening].
In Arkansas, volunteers are holding DACA renewal clinics, Wilpe of 5 News. Such events don’t just provide solid information and guidance: "There's a sense of community, a sense of like, 'Hey, we're in this together,'" attorney and volunteer Samantha Vital said.
I’m Dan Gordon, the Forum’s Strategic Communications VP, and the great Forum Daily team also includes Jillian Clark, Soledad Gassó Parker, Camilla Luong, Clara Villatoro and Becka Wall. If you have a story to share from your own community, please send it to me at [email protected].
WELCOMING MESSAGES — The number of foreign-born people migrating to North Dakota increased by more than two-thirds in 2023, reports Joshua Irvine of the e increase is not a coincidence: "We’ve been working really hard to become a state that is a destination for people that want to work, regardless of where they come from," said Janna Pastir, deputy director of the state’s Office of Legal Immigration. "There’s been a lot of messaging nationally and internationally that North Dakota is open for business."
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT — Some local law enforcement officials are preparing to help the Trump administration, report Scott Calvert and Michelle Hackman of The Wall Street Journal. Any large-scale deportation plan would require local cooperation, as we’ve noted. Green Bay, Wisconsin, Police Chief Chris Davis is concerned for community safety, reports Ben Krumholz of don’t want to see happen is anyone in our community, regardless of how they got here or where they’re from, being afraid to seek help from a Green Bay Police officer when they need it," Davis said.
HARDENING — Mexicans’ views on migration have toughened as migrant numbers there have increased, reports Lauren Villagran of USA Today. In the past, Mexicans broadly accepted migration, and millions know someone from their country who migrated to the U.S., Villagran reports. But xenophobia is rising, and Mexico’s immigrant enforcement has gotten harsher.
COMMUNITY — Local churches and organizations are offering English classes for immigrants in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, reports Maddie Gittens of TheBurg. Trinity Lutheran Church Pastor Liz Frey initially was overwhelmed by the strong response of members. "Step by step, my English I see is improving," said Tatiana, originally from Russia. Separately, 53 new Americans took the citizenship oath Thursday in Baltimore, report Darreonna Davis and John-John Williams IV of The Baltimore Banner.
