For hundreds of years, migrants have been coming to this country. Upon arrival, most of them strive to establish themselves. Initially, they take on whatever jobs they can to survive, and as time passes, they develop skills or acquire an education to access higher-paying opportunities. Many of these hardworking individuals hold multiple jobs, often supporting families while contributing to the U.S. economy. Their dedication serves as a powerful engine of growth for the United States.
In our current economy, the unemployment rate is significantly low. Claims suggest that there are over a million unfilled jobs, mainly in low-paying positions that are challenging to fill. But where is the effort to find a solution to bridge this labor gap?
Aren’t migrants a potential solution? Rather than making a big fuss, we should recognize that they can help fill these essential jobs.
Several states, including mine, are experiencing a declining population year after year, losing about one percent annually. In Illinois, the population decreased from 12.6 to 12.5 million in 2022. During the same year, around 17,000 immigrants came to Illinois. The total number of arrivals of Asylum seekers is less than a quarter of the population loss. We are still net negative in population number from the year before. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois lost $8.5 billion in adjusted gross income to other states in 2022 due to net out-migration. This loss may necessitate raising taxes on the remaining population.
However, a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine reveals that the average immigrant contributes an average of $19,584 in net benefits to the U.S. economy from year one of their authorization to work. A simple calculation indicates that the Illinois economy gains $431 million per year from the new arrivals. While this figure pales in comparison to the $8.5 billion loss, it’s a step in the right direction. With each passing year, these immigrants’ contributions will increase as they work hard and invest more in establishing themselves.
Illinois, like many other places, needs both legal and undocumented migrants for its economy. Instead of frowning upon them, we should extend a helping hand, as they have the potential to alleviate the tax burden on the rest of the population.
It’s imperative that we channel our efforts into finding ways to decrease the outflow of residents. If we cannot halt or reduce the out-migration, then we must increase the inflow; otherwise, the state’s economy may face dire consequences. It’s time to reframe our perspective on the migration situation: not just as a crisis but also as an opportunity.
