For decades, our elected leaders have failed miserably at passing and enforcing laws on immigration. Now, plans to deport many of the 11 million undocumented workers here in America could make the situation much worse. It will probably trash the economy, as well. The Mountain West will not be spared from the consequences of this shortsighted policy.
Opinion
For example, according to the USDA, 41% of farmworkers are not authorized to work in this country. About 1.7 million immigrants work in the food supply chain. Without these workers, food costs will skyrocket and shortages will be likely. Fewer workers means less food and higher prices.
In Idaho, about 90% of the on-farm jobs in the dairy industry are filled by foreign-born workers. Foreign-born labor has been the reality for the dairy industry for decades now. The Idaho Dairymen’s Association predicts significant price increases in milk, cheese and yogurt.
Home construction and repair depend on undocumented immigrants, so count on rising housing costs and more shortages. Similar impacts will be felt in hospitality, health care and other industries across the economy. Places like Jackson and Worland, with a large immigrant workforce, will be especially hard hit…