Immigrants contribute 8% of the state’s economic output and have potential to grow into what OpenSky Policy Institute Executive Director Dr. Rebecca Firestone called an “economic powerhouse” that helps fill unmet workforce demand in Nebraska.
In a story published by the Nebraska Examiner, Bryan Slone, president of the statewide business Chamber, said that workforce needs across the country at some point are going to demand that Congress change laws to allow greater flow of legal immigration.
“It will be a question of which states are able to attract and retain immigrants,” he said, adding that Nebraska should be ready with affordable housing, child care and other services that entice workers and families.