Migrants can help halt decline

Immigrants have been slowing demographic decline in more than 1,100 counties in the US over the past three years, says The Washington Post. Viewed through this lens, immigration can be seen as “a powerful tool to lift vast swathes of America that prosperity has left behind”. Support in Washington is in low supply, although Texas governor Greg Abbott’s controversial strategy of bussing migrants to sanctuary cities could be “put to valuable use”, encouraging migrants to “rekindle economic development in depopulating cities” such as Detroit. Arresting population loss before towns lose their economic rationale is vital. Depopulation can lead to a downward spiral of falling house prices and tax revenues as the labour force shrinks, businesses go bust and schools close. A solution might be a “state government resettlement plan” for asylum seekers that lures businesses into “sluggish” cities by guaranteeing workers. The prospect of jobs and cheap housing would attract migrants themselves, who tend to gravitate towards major cities. Legal work status would need to be secured. The rewards are worth it. The backlog in immigration courts stands at three million. If only the authorities would recognise the opportunity, it’s a potential win-win.