How immigration boosts U.S. economy

Anew wrinkle in the debate over border security and immigration is becoming more pronounced after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released its updated 10-year economic and budget forecasts.

Immigration is boosting the American economy by trillions of dollars.

Factoring in an unexpected immigration surge, the Congressional Budget Office’s economic forecast is significantly improved from just a year ago. The difference? Immigration. The surge began in 2022, with forecasters predicting it will continue for a number of years. These immigrants are workers, younger than American citizens, with enough people coming to the United States to offset anticipated retirements.

So instead of an invasion, it could be the United States is experiencing a renewal — if our leaders have sense enough to recognize opportunity. The realization that immigrants are helping fuel our better-than-expected economic recovery should cause a rethinking of border and immigration policy.

Washington Post economic columnist Catherine Rampell writes, “As CBO Director Phill Swagel wrote in a note accompanying the forecasts: As a result of these immigration-driven revisions to the size of the labor force, ‘we estimate that, from 2023 to 2034, GDP will be greater by about $7 trillion and revenues will be greater by about $1 trillion than they would have been otherwise.’ ”

What this should show the nation is rather than policies focusing on mass deportations or strict border shutdowns, policy efforts should focus on improving our broken immigration system. Any reforms should ensure the Dreamers, those brought to the U.S. as minors, deserve a path to citizenship. Then, invest money to process amnesty seekers and provide significant assistance for the border and for cities away from the border where immigrants are being sent. A border bill with some solutions was killed in Congress — Republicans want to excoriate President Joe Biden on his immigration failings rather than solve problems.

Yet the strain on services in Denver, New York City, Chicago and other locations is real, with tens of thousands of migrants being sheltered by local governments. Issuing work permits to asylum-seekers — quickly — would relieve the burden on local governments and alleviate still-existing work shortages. The bipartisan Senate immigration bill that the House of Representatives would not consider contained provisions to expedite work permits. Solutions, once more, were killed for political gain.

Even traditional GOP supporters — the business community — understand the benefit of immigrant workers. The American Immigration Council released a letter in November in which more than 100 chambers of commerce, businesses and trade associations across the country called on Congress to reduce the time most asylum-seekers must wait for a work permit from 180 to 30 days. Business leaders know that not enough people are looking for work to fill essential jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States has around 9.6 million job openings but only 6.5 million workers seeking a job.

The choice is clear. The U.S. should create an immigration system that works to keep its economy roaring. Secure the border, yes, but allow people who want to work and contribute to the United States of America to arrive with dignity amid a system that values their contributions and their humanity.

Let them learn English, work, go to school and do what generations of immigrants have done in this nation: Live the American dream.