Why Immigrants Are Essential for the US Economy

The Business Trendsetter Podcast

There is a lot of immigrant bashing in the USA these days. Somewhat ironic, given that almost all Americans have an immigrant background. Nonetheless, there is a perception among a lot of people – business leaders included – that immigrants are bad for the economy.

This podcast sets out to reverse that thinking. Reviewing ample data from the Congressional Budget Office, Department of Labor and regional Federal Reserve offices we overview how immigrants are adding $7trillion to the US economy, and have been responsible for avoiding the expected recession. Undocumented immigration is actually down 14%, while legal immigration is up 29% - and wages have been rising even as immigration has grown the last few years. And despite common belief, even the Texas Dept of Public Safety reports that immigrants are less than half as likely to commit a crime as native born Americans.

The data supports a robust level of immigration. Yet policy makers have been failing businesses that have a serious need for workers. Listen to hear the facts, and how they impact your business.

Thinking points:

• Are you trying to hire, but finding it difficult to fill positions?
• Are you biased against people who speak English as a second language, or struggle to speak English?
• Do you let media headlines influence your decision-making when it comes to hiring?
• Do you let a single data point, like a story about an immigrant criminal, influence your opinion about entire group of people?