The crucial economic role of migrants in the United States: can the world's leading power do without its workforce?

Amid a heated debate on migration in the United States, a crucial question arises: could the world's leading economic power do without migrants and still prosper? According to experts in the field, the answer is a resounding "no." Migrants are considered the "backbone" of the U.S. economy, a driving force behind numerous essential sectors that, according to the Congressional Budget Office, could boost the economy by around $7 trillion over the next decade by providing labor force and increasing demand. Despite positive projections regarding the economic impact of migration, this issue has become a point of contention in the electoral campaign that will pit Democratic President Joe Biden against his predecessor, Republican Donald Trump, in the November elections. While Trump threatens with a massive deportation of migrants if he returns to the White House, arguing that they "poison the nation's blood," Biden has implemented measures for a more orderly migration and has accelerated the expulsion of those who fail to meet the entry conditions into the country. Justin Gest, political scientist and professor at George Mason University, emphasizes the importance of migrants by stating that they are "the soul" and "the backbone" of the country, as they support key industries such as food, services, construction, agriculture, and healthcare. Heidi Shierholz, president of the Economic Policy Institute, agrees that depriving these sectors of labor would have a critical impact on the U.S. economy and trigger a domino effect that would affect the entire society. Despite the vital contribution of migrants to the economy, concerns about migration have been rising among Americans, especially among supporters of the Republican Party. The influx of migrants during Biden's term has sparked criticism, with more than 7 million intercepted after illegally crossing the border with Mexico, according to official data. However, some experts point out that the United States has a surplus of job openings, with over eight million unfilled positions, demonstrating the need for migrant labor in the country. Maca Casado, director of Hispanic media for Biden's campaign, highlights the economic and cultural contributions of migrants and criticizes the anti-immigrant policies promoted by some conservative states. Despite partisan differences, experts acknowledge that migrants are a flexible, mobile, and versatile workforce that helps control inflation and fosters entrepreneurial activity in the country. According to the Department of the Treasury, nearly 25% of new businesses opened in the United States in 2021 were owned by Latinos, reflecting the positive impact of the migrant community on the economy. In a context where migration remains a controversial and polarizing issue, data and analysis point to the economic and social importance of migrants in the United States. Their role as drivers of key sectors and generators of employment and economic activity is fundamental to the functioning and growth of the country. As the debate on migration continues, the need to find a balance between border security and the appreciation of migrants' contribution to the economy becomes increasingly urgent for the future of the United States as a global power.