Key Takeaways (English):
- Trump’s immigration policy may deprive Nebraska’s key industries of a labor force.
- Aggressive measures, such as large-scale inspections and deportations, threaten agriculture and construction.
- Nebraska’s economy relies on legal immigration, especially as the population ages and birth rates decline.
Nebraska is already struggling with a labor shortage, and this issue is growing more critical. Amid the resurgence of Donald Trump’s immigration agenda, local businesses and community leaders are concerned that significant tightening of laws will lead to a workforce deficit in sectors like agriculture, construction, and food production.
Omaha immigration attorney Amy Peck started receiving a surge of calls from business owners after the election. She notes that Nebraska currently has a shortage of approximately 50,000 workers, with immigrants predominantly filling these challenging and lower-wage roles. However, Trump’s appointees aim to enforce large-scale deportations and limit avenues for securing visas and temporary protected status, endangering the state’s labor base.
Nebraska Chamber President Bryan Slone emphasizes that as the workforce ages and population declines, attracting young people and families is critical for sustained economic growth. Without legal immigration, the region risks losing its ability to meet business and community needs. “The state’s economy suffers when jobs go unfilled,” Peck says. “This impacts inflation, driving prices up, which ultimately affects consumers.”
Many Nebraska leaders advocate for a safe and sustainable legal immigration system, recognizing it as essential for maintaining economic stability across various U.S. states.
