An analysis of recent survey data links economic growth with the influx of immigrant workers.[1]
The data belie a common perception in the nation’s hard-fought debate over immigration — articulated by lawmakers, pundits and advocates on all sides of the issue — that the surge in immigration in the last two decades has overwhelmed the United States with low-wage foreign laborers.
Phoenix tops the list of the fastest growing metro areas. Its economic growth of over a hundred fold in the past few years coincides with its 13% rise in immigrant share of the labor force.[2] And, yes, it's in the same state of Arizona, which most recently enacted a law on immigration that seems to defy the logic behind this data.
True, some residents have a more rationale view of immigration in support of the new law, saying they have nothing against immigration if done legally. Others simply outrightly decry the presence of immigrants to begin with, a feeling that may have weighed more heavily in pushing the bill for approval—sadly enough.[3]
This has become emblematic of the more recent debates on national issues. One side calls us to reason; another side says, “No, I don’t like it, and just because I don’t.”This law might kick some of these immigrants out,” said Mr. Lowis, 76, a retiree who has lived here for more than 30 years and does not like all the change. “They vandalize the golf course, throwing flags in the ponds. Burglaries. There are too many immigrants. I get tired of seeing all these people standing on the corner.
[1]Julia Preston, “Work Force Fueled by Highly Skilled Immigrants”, The New York Times, April 15, 2010
[2]Immigrants and Growth, The New York Times, April 15, 2010
[3]Randal C. Archibold, “Growing Split in Arizona Over Immigration”, The New York Times, April 25, 2010
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