*Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of The Messenger.
Letter to the Editor;
Our state legislature is in the process of determining the budget. One item on the table is the funding of benefits for immigrants. I would urge readers to consider the economic benefits that immigrants bring to the United States and Minnesota. Immigrants compose about one-third of the workforce in farming, fishing and forestry, building, grounds cleaning, and maintenance organizations. Immigrants also provide 29% of the textile and garment industries workforce (2018, U.S. Department of Labor Statistics). Immigrants fill an important employment gap in the United States. There is a great demand for low-skilled labor. Immigrants are willing to fill those positions. Immigrants to the U.S. are also more likely than U.S. citizens to be employed (65.7% for foreign-born, 62.3% for native-born individuals). Immigrant workers help support the aging native-born population (sometimes as direct caregivers in group homes, assisted living, and long-term care institutions). They are willing to take the jobs that retiring baby boomers can no longer fill. Immigrant workers increase the Social Security and Medicare trust funds. (Yes, immigrants contribute to YOUR social security). Immigrants may require SNAP and Medicaid benefits to make ends meet; they are employed at minimum-wage jobs. Most of the immigrants who receive these benefits are employed while receiving benefits or they are married to someone who is working.
As a nurse, a nurse practitioner, and a nursing instructor I have worked with many students who did not begin their lives in the United States. I found them to be dedicated to quality patient care. I have worked with many nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians who immigrated to the United States or those who held work visas I haven’t had any problems working with them. I found them competent, easy to communicate with, and compassionate.
Therefore, I do NOT begrudge immigrants SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits in Minnesota. When my great-great-grandparents came to the United States, they were immigrants. I am the descendant of immigrants and unless you are a member of one of the indigenous nations who share geography with Minnesota, so are you.
Also, every budget is a moral decision.
Susan B. Janicke
