Immigrants are important to sustain population and economic growth

Immigration provides significant economic and social benefits to communities.  Opinion letter published in The New York Times:

Check this link here for New York emigration and immigration. 

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free"

Right now, there is heated rhetoric about the increase in migration to New York City and the rest of the state. While the influx of many new arrivals over a short period of time causes short-term challenges, it also offers many long-term opportunities.

New York State is currently leading the country in out-migration and population loss. In just one year, from 2021 to 2022, New York’s population decreased by more than 180,000. This has led to work force shortages in key industries. The increase in new arrivals could be critical in recovering our labor force and tax base.

New York has a long history of welcoming immigrants, and this history has been critical in building our vibrant state.

When we hear dangerous rhetoric that dehumanizes immigrants, we must fight back and remind people that when we create welcoming communities, our entire society benefits.

Carola Otero Bracco in  Mount Kisco, N.Y.
The writer is executive director of Neighbors Link.