When the latest Census
data were released earlier this month, they confirmed what a lot of people already knew: Rural America is losing its population. And we’re all going to feel the effects.
In Ohio and Pennsylvania, a growing demand for labor
threatens to impact the fruit, vegetable and livestock industries. In Nebraska, meatpacking plants are struggling to fill positions. But amid these declines, there are places that are actually seeing growth: cities, that are successfully attracting immigrants.
The need for increased immigration levels is evident in every state and across industries. As we’ve noted before, declining birth rates and increased life expectancy mean that in order to keep up with future economic demands, we’re going to need more immigrants.
Providing elcome to immigrants will prove critical to our nation’s future prosperity. But in order to be a welcoming nation, we need to recognize the value of the contributions put forth by the immigrants already here, many of whom are living and working alongside other Americans despite not having permanent status.
Many Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders and immigrant farmworkers have been contributing to our communities and economies for years, even throughout the COVID pandemic — yet they still have no path to citizenship. It’s long past time that Congress provides them with the opportunity to gain the stability they need to continue building lives in the U.S.
Earlier this year, the House passed legislation that would provide protection from deportation and a path to citizenship for essential immigrants. Now, it’s the Senate’s turn to move forward legislation that would empower them to fully participate in their communities. Tell them it’s time to act.
National Immigration Forum
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