About 500 local and state elected officials, including both Republicans and Democrats, are calling on the administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to admit about 2.5 million immigrants to the United States through the federal refugee resettlement program.
in letter State elected officials have told the Biden administration that more immigrants are needed to fill American jobs. They have called on President Biden to allow about 2.4 million refugees into the United States.
“As state and local elected leaders, we strive to create communities where newcomers have an equal opportunity to contribute and thrive,” the elected officials wrote.
We have promoted policies such as workforce development studies and reducing unnecessary occupational barriers to make it easier for skilled refugees to join the workforce. With many communities struggling with labour shortages in key professions such as teachers, nurses and doctors, refugees play a vital role in filling these gaps. [Emphasis added]
The elected officials wrote that states need more American taxpayer money from the federal government to help resettle millions of refugees in their communities.
“Our cities and states need stronger coordination and support from the federal government to ensure newcomers have access to the programs and services that help them succeed in their new places,” the elected officials continue.We call on the Government to redouble its investment of the resources needed to build a strong resettlement program. We need to build societies that can withstand external pressures, refugee crises and political transitions.” [Emphasis added]
The elected officials wrote that the United States is “better and stronger because of refugees and their families.”
“As state and local elected officials, we ask you to ensure that refugee resettlement programs are well-resourced, strong, and sustainable for years to come, and to protect our nation's position as a leader in welcoming refugees,” they wrote.
The letter comes as new immigrants have accounted for the vast majority of job gains since Biden and Harris took office, while native-born Americans continue to drop out of the labor force. Last year alone, about 1.2 million immigrants secured jobs while 1.3 million jobs fell for native-born Americans.
According to a Pew Research Center study, more than 30 million legal and illegal immigrants are working in American jobs as of 2022, up 20 percent over the past 15 years. Over the same period, the number of native-born people joining the workforce has increased by less than 10 percent.
John Binder is a reporter for Breitbart News. Email him at jbinder@breitbart.com. Follow him on Twitter. here.
