Discover how an immigration crackdown could jeopardize Wisconsin’s economy. Explore the vital role immigrants play in sustaining the Badger State’s growth.
Wisconsin, a state known for its dairy farms, manufacturing industries, and vibrant communities, is at a critical juncture. Governor Tony Evers has raised a significant alarm, arguing that a potential immigration crackdown by the Trump administration would not only be a moral failure but a severe economic blow to Wisconsin. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about the very fabric of the state’s economy and its future prosperity. Immigrants, both documented and undocumented, are a vital and integrated part of Wisconsin’s workforce, contributing billions to the economy and filling essential labor gaps.
The Cornerstones of Wisconsin’s Economy
The Wisconsin economy relies on a diverse range of industries, many of which have come to depend heavily on immigrant labor. From the sprawling dairy farms in the heartland to the manufacturing plants in urban centers, immigrants are an essential component of the state’s economic engine.
Agriculture: The Dairy State’s Backbone
Wisconsin’s agricultural sector, particularly its iconic dairy industry, is a prime example. The University of Wisconsin-Madison estimates that more than 10,000 undocumented immigrants perform up to 70% of the labor on the state’s dairy farms. These workers are responsible for the physically demanding and often undesirable tasks that are crucial to the industry’s operations. The labor-intensive nature of these jobs, combined with a decline in native-born workers willing to take them, has created a workforce void that immigrants have filled for decades.
A mass deportation plan would leave a massive labor shortage, threatening the very existence of many family-owned farms and causing a ripple effect throughout the entire agricultural supply chain. Experts project that a severe crackdown could deal a multi-billion dollar blow to the state’s agriculture sector.
Manufacturing and Other Industries
Beyond agriculture, immigrants play a critical role in other key sectors. They make up a significant portion of the workforce in manufacturing, construction, and hospitality. Data from organizations like Kids Forward and the American Immigration Council highlights the extensive economic contributions of immigrants:
- Immigrants make up 11% of Main Street business owners.
- They account for 16% of physicians and 9% of construction workers.
- Immigrants contribute billions in state and local taxes, funding public services and infrastructure.
These contributions are not just about labor; they are about consumption and entrepreneurship. Immigrant-led households have billions in spending power, and immigrant entrepreneurs generate hundreds of millions in business income, creating jobs for both foreign- and native-born residents.
The Economic Consequences of a Crackdown
Governor Evers’s concerns are rooted in the tangible economic fallout of a major immigration crackdown. Such a policy would have multiple negative consequences:
Workforce Shortages and Wage Inflation
The immediate impact would be a severe workforce shortage. Businesses across the state would struggle to find workers, leading to decreased productivity, higher labor costs, and potential business closures. In a state already facing an aging population and a tight labor market, this would be a catastrophic setback. While some might argue this would increase wages for native-born workers, the reality is that many of the jobs would go unfilled, and the overall economic output would shrink.
Decline in Tax Revenue
Immigrants, including those who are undocumented, pay federal, state, and local taxes. Undocumented immigrants, for instance, contribute millions of dollars in taxes annually, despite being ineligible for many of the social services they help fund. A mass deportation would directly reduce this tax base, putting a strain on public services and potentially leading to a need for increased taxes on other residents.
A “Chilling” Effect on the Broader Immigrant Community
Beyond the direct economic impact of deportations, the rhetoric and policies of a crackdown could have a “chilling” effect on the entire immigrant community. Legal immigrants and those with work visas may reconsider their decision to live and work in the United States, fearing an increasingly hostile environment. This could stem the flow of new talent and further exacerbate the state’s workforce challenges.
A Call for a Pragmatic Approach
In his public statements, Governor Evers has emphasized the need for a pragmatic and humane approach to immigration. He has stated that a policy of “taking people from farms and factories… that are the backbone of this economy… will not work for us.” His administration has also pushed back against efforts to force state employees to act as immigration agents, arguing that such policies are not only legally dubious but also counterproductive to the state’s economic interests.
The governor’s stance is supported by a growing body of research and economic analysis. The data consistently shows that immigrants are not a burden on the system but a critical asset, filling jobs, paying taxes, and contributing to the social and cultural fabric of the state. As Wisconsin looks to the future, it must grapple with a central question: does it choose a path of economic self-destruction, or does it embrace the diversity and contributions that have long been a source of its strength? Governor Evers’s position is clear: the latter is the only viable option.