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New Jersey Business Immigration Coalition
Pursuing Bipartisan and Evidence-Based Immigration Policy
| | Are We Still a "Nation of Immigrants"? | | |
NEWSLETTER ARTICLES
Are We Still a "Nation of Immigrants"?
April 30 Webinar on Population Decline and Immigration Policy
Other Webinars of Interest
Correcting Misperceptions About Immigration to the United States
Trouble in the Construction Industry
Economic Benefits of the Suspended Refugee Program
Call for nominations for the 2025 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards
News and Commentary
| | | Although the phrase “nation of immigrants” has been criticized for disregarding the role of indigenous people and forced migrants, it does call attention to the special contributions of migrants to American society. Their labor, skills, insights, and accomplishments have stimulated our economy, helped us draw strength from diversity, and facilitated our leadership role in the world. America, of course, has not always treated immigrants favorably. There have been times when some Americans have falsely blamed them for a variety of sins. But fortunately, bipartisan majorities have challenged such assertions, reaffirmed our welcoming tradition, and helped us understand the continuing benefits of immigration. As we reexamine immigration policy in the months ahead -- hopefully correcting problems created through decades of inaction -- the Coalition will work to maintain our core tradition of openness to immigrant talent and creativity. | | |
Join Us for Our April 30 Program
on the Effects of Global Population Decline
on the Future of Immigration
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Declining replacement birth rates are emerging in nations around the globe, including the United States. Demographers forecast that, for the first time in 700 years, the world's population may begin to decrease. Will there be a decline in the number of immigrants, and will the competition to attract them become fiercer among developed economies? Is the U.S. ready to face this challenge? Are there strategies to boost birth rates to mitigate or prevent the anticipated population decline? Join us as we discuss this important topic on April 30, from 11:00 to 12:15 pm ET. For more information about the program and to register, click on this link. | | | | |
Other Upcoming Webinars of Interest
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Immigration Actions in the
First 100 Days of the Trump Second Term
Analysts from the Migration Policy Institute will analyze the early effects of Trump immigration policies on communities across the U.S.
Migration Policy Institute Thursday, April 24, 2025, 11:30 am ET
For more information and to register, click here
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Immigration and the American Dream
What does the history of immigration to the United States tell us about immigrants' ability to assimilate and contribute to American culture? How do today's immigrants compare to those who arrived 100 years ago?
This webinar features a presentation by Leah Platt Boustan, Professor of Economics at Princeton University.
American Enterprise Institute
Thursday, April 24, 2025, 5:00-6:15 pm ET
For more information and to register, click here
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Correcting Misperceptions
About Immigration to the United States
| | The Immigrant Initiative at Harvard has published a report containing evidence to challenge widespread misperceptions about immigration to the U.S. -- often mischaracterized as threats to jobs, values, and security. The percentage of the population that is foreign-born is comparable to prior historical levels and lower than in many other countries. Contrary to the perception of immigrants as a burden, they contribute positively to the economy, with high participation in the workforce and significant tax contributions. Immigrants are also less likely to rely on public assistance than native-born Americans and are integral to sectors like healthcare, construction, and STEM. They also exhibit lower crime and terrorism rates. The report also contends that U.S. immigration policy is highly restrictive, with limited legal pathways for entry, leading many to remain undocumented. To read the full report, go to this link. | | |
Trouble in the Construction Industry
The presence of immigrants in the construction workforce is great
(25% nationally and 36% in New Jersey). The percentages soar higher in particular trades, such as carpenters, painters, brick masons, and construction laborers – trades that require less formal education but register some of the highest labor shortages. These shortages appear to be getting worse with recent curbs on immigration, and according to one recent study, are slowing the construction of new housing and pushing housing prices up around the country. Although immigration restrictionists claim that housing prices will come down when enough immigrants are removed from the country, these findings seem to suggest otherwise.
| | Economic Benefits of the
Suspended Refugee Program | | On the day of his inauguration, President Trump issued an executive order “suspending” the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). This program has enjoyed bipartisan support since its creation in 1980. The average number of refugees admitted per year from 1980 through 2023 was 73,300. There has never been a year when the government refused to admit refugees, even during the first Trump administration. Refugee status is determined by interviews and examinations conducted by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Although refugees are usually admitted for humanitarian purposes, and assumed to use more resources than they create, a study released last year found that the net fiscal impact of refugees was positive. Examining the 15-year period from 2005 through 2019, the study found that the federal government realized a net gain of $31.5 billion, while state and local governments saw a net benefit of $92.3 billion. Although the refugee program is not often seen as a program bringing economic benefits to America, this study suggests otherwise. | | |
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JOIN OUR IMPORTANT COALITION!
Check out our NJ Business Immigration Coalition policy goals here and if your company or organization (or you as an individual) agrees with our basic principles, we encourage you to sign up as a member of the Coalition. There is no fee to become a member.
Share your thoughts on the immigration reform challenges facing the United States. How is your industry affected? What specific reform proposals are you championing?
Write us at: info@njbusinessimmigration.org
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The New Jersey Business Immigration Coalition,
c/o Einstein's Alley, P.O. Box 175, Plainsboro NJ 08536,
info@njbusinessimmigration.org
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THE NEW JERSEY BUSINESS IMMIGRATION COALITION | |
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