Illinois : Immigration covers up huge decline in workforce

Illinois : In a startling revelation, a recent analysis by the Center for Immigration Studies underscores the profound shift in the labour force participation of working-age Illinoisans over the past sixty years. This shift not only raises critical questions about the state’s workforce but also sparks a debate about immigration’s role in addressing this challenge.

The analysis shows that the labour force participation rate of working-age men in Illinois without a bachelor’s degree has plummeted from 89% in 1960 to a concerning 71% in 2023. This alarming decline has far-reaching consequences, with Steven Camarota, director of research and lead author of the report, pointing out that it contributes to serious social problems.

“Not being in the labour market obviously is going to significantly increase your risk of being in poverty or dependent on welfare, but there is also good evidence that it hinders economic growth and creates a fiscal burden for taxpayers,” Camarota emphasized.

One argument for advocating immigration has been the perception that the low unemployment rate means there are no available workers. However, what often gets overlooked is the increasing number of working-age individuals not participating in the labour force in Illinois.

The American population is ageing, and there are fewer younger individuals of working age. This, combined with a tight labour market and historically low unemployment levels, has resulted in a shortage of workers to meet the ever-growing demand.

Interestingly, working-age immigrants in Illinois have not experienced the same decline in labour force participation. While the native-born population has seen a decline, the immigrant share of the overall labour force has surged from 6% in 1970 to a substantial 18% by 2023.

Illinois & Past Year Migrants

In the past year alone, approximately 14,000 migrants have entered Illinois, with the majority arriving via buses from Texas. Recognizing the potential of this immigrant workforce, a coalition of congressional leaders, Illinois business officials, and immigration advocates is pushing to integrate these migrants into the workforce.

U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, recently joined a news conference hosted by the American Business Immigration Coalition Action. The focus of this gathering was to urge President Joe Biden to expand work authorizations and actively address the labour shortage crisis.

“There are jobs that go vacant because American workers are not taking these jobs,” Senator Durbin emphasized. “These immigrants are ready to step in and take the hardest, dirtiest, roughest jobs imaginable because they always have.”

The declining labour force participation in Illinois is a complex issue with profound implications for the state’s economy and society. As the nation grapples with a shifting demographic landscape, finding effective solutions to bridge the labour gap while ensuring the welfare of all residents remains a top priority.

Also Read : Saskatchewan : In Canada Accepting Immigrants on their Nationality