## Trump’s Visit to Washington and the Immigration Conundrum
On a crisp November day, President-elect Donald Trump arrived in Washington, D.C., to confer with congressional Republicans. His campaign leaned heavily on pledges to curb immigration while lamenting the economy under President Biden. However, nearby, a coterie of economic experts convened to deliver a distinct message.
### The Intricate Knot: Immigration and Economic Growth
According to seasoned economist Douglas Holtz-Eakin, you can’t place America first while sidelining immigration. Holtz-Eakin, who served under President George H.W. Bush and advised John McCain’s 2008 presidential bid, underscored this complexity during an event by the [National Immigration Forum](https://immigrationforum.org/). He asserted, “The numbers simply don’t add up” without robust immigration to sustain the workforce and fuel economic growth.
### Demographic Realities: The Case for Immigration
It seems apparent to anyone familiar with arithmetic that immigration is vital for America’s future. The nation’s diminishing birth rate suggests a demographic trajectory similar to Japan’s. Without immigration, the U.S. risks becoming aged and economically frail, contradicting Trump’s campaign narratives, which promised aggressive deportations.
### The Challenges of Mass Deportations
On deportations, Jon Baselice of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned, “If they’re looking to deport millions quickly, they’re likely to fail.” Realistically, resources limit such efforts. Thus, expectations should be measured. Furthermore, a reduction in immigrants may carry significant economic drawbacks, impacting various sectors.
### The Economic Impact on Local Businesses
Consider Pennsylvania’s workforce challenges, highlighted by Alex Halper from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce. Over the past decade, worker scarcity has surged as a critical concern. He revealed, “Out of 100 job openings, only 56 people are seeking work in Pennsylvania.” The demographics exacerbate this, with the elderly segment expanding rapidly.
### The Crucial Role of Immigrants in Technology
In the tech sector, immigrants are indispensable. Pearl Chang Esau of [Shàn Strategies](https://shanstrategies.com) stressed the importance of “dreamers” in this industry. With 30% of dreamers pursuing STEM education but unable to work legally, tapping into this talent is a clear economic advantage.
### Bridging Divisions: Seeking Bipartisan Solutions
At the conference, apprehension loomed due to Trump’s anti-immigration stance. National Immigration Forum’s CEO, Jennie Murray, acknowledged the looming challenges, while Rep. Tom Suozzi urged a coalition of “business, badges, and the Bible” to push for bipartisan immigration reforms. Polls suggest a public appetite for nuanced solutions. Suozzi maintained, “Anyone who says, ‘Why don’t you just…’ is unaware of the complexities involved.”
### Conclusion
The interconnectedness of immigration and economic vitality remains undeniable, as economic leaders stressed in Washington. As the Trump administration prepares its policies, the hope is for solutions that embrace both America’s economic needs and its immigrant legacy.
*This article first appeared in the [Ohio Capital Journal](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2024/11/15/economic-leaders-immigration-and-the-economy-cant-be-separated/), a member of the national States Newsroom network.*
This rendition preserves the core information from the original article while infusing it with additional context and a structured narrative.
