Commentary: Migration is not just a political issue

Goals of the International Organization for Migration, United Nations.
10

 

By Esperanza Porras-Field

 

Migration is not just a political issue. To me, it’s deeply personal. As someone who has worked closely with immigrant communities for years, I have witnessed both the struggles and triumphs of those seeking a better life in the United States.

Migration is often portrayed in statistics and policies. But behind the numbers are real people, hardworking individuals who leave everything behind — not by choice but by necessity.

The truth is, immigrants have been a key driver of economic development in this country. The pursuit of job opportunities, economic stability, and quality of life pushes millions to cross borders. Yet for many, especially women, the decision to migrate is not about ambition but survival.

Despite their contributions, immigrants frequently face significant challenges, from unclear labor regulations to discrimination and social exclusion. Their journey is one of resilience, hope, and an unbreakable will to succeed.

THE ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF IMMIGRANTS

In states like New Jersey, I have seen firsthand how immigrant labor is essential to industries such as construction, hospitality, agriculture, and technology. Many businesses simply would not function without their contributions.

According to the National Foundation for American Policy, over 55 percent of billion-dollar U.S. startups were founded or co-founded by immigrants — proof that they are not just workers but innovators and entrepreneurs.

Esperanza Porras-Field. Photo via LinkedIn

Beyond job creation, immigrants also fuel local economies. They rent homes, purchase goods, and pay taxes, often without the ability to access the benefits they help sustain. Many people don’t realize that undocumented immigrants contribute about $11.7 billion annually in state and local taxes.

When you include all immigrants, their tax contributions exceed $492 billion per year, supporting essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

One statistic that truly shocks me is that undocumented immigrants contribute approximately $25.7 billion in Social Security taxes and $1.8 billion in unemployment insurance taxes, despite not being eligible for these benefits.

In New Jersey alone, these workers have paid over $1.36 billion into the unemployment insurance system since 2010 without ever receiving a penny back. How is that fair? Their economic contributions are undeniable, yet their struggles remain largely invisible.

THE HUMAN COST OF DEPORTATION

While removing individuals with criminal records makes sense, mass deportation would be catastrophic. I have spoken with business owners who fear that losing their immigrant workforce would cripple their operations. Small and medium-sized businesses, which form the backbone of the American economy, would be hit hardest.

Beyond the economic impact, deportation has a devastating effect on families. I have met mothers and fathers torn apart from their children, forced to return to countries they barely recognize, or where they face dangerous conditions. Children of undocumented immigrants, even those born in the U.S., live with constant fear and anxiety about their family’s future. Studies show that these children are more likely to experience depression, struggle in school, and have limited opportunities for higher education.

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of immigration is human trafficking. Organizations like Goya Cares are fighting to protect vulnerable individuals from being exploited, but the risks remain high. Deportation often worsens this crisis, leaving already-vulnerable people even more exposed to danger.

THE FIGHT FOR FAIR WAGES AND WORKERS RIGHTS

A reality I have seen over and over again is the exploitation of undocumented workers. Many earn significantly lower wages than their legal counterparts, despite having the same skills and work ethic. They often endure harsh conditions, long hours, and unfair treatment because they lack legal status.

Policies that provide driver’s licenses or work permits to undocumented workers could help level the playing field, allowing them to contribute more fully to the economy without fear of exploitation.

BALANCING MIGRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Migration is not just about the receiving country. It also affects the nations left behind. When a country loses a significant portion of its skilled workforce, economic growth slows. Yet, remittances from immigrants — money sent back home — play a crucial role in sustaining local economies. Many families rely on these funds for food, education, and healthcare.

The challenge is finding a balance: How can we create policies that allow immigrants to thrive in their new homes while also supporting economic development in their countries of origin? We need sustainable solutions that consider the long-term impact of migration on both sides.

THE URGENT NEED FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM

The U.S. has a long history of immigration, yet our policies remain outdated and ineffective. While some argue that we already have one of the most liberal immigration systems in the world, the reality is that for millions of immigrants, legal pathways are nearly impossible to navigate.

Since the failure of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013, there has been no major immigration reform. Programs like DACA, which offer protection to young undocumented immigrants, remain in limbo. Without real reform, we risk losing talented individuals who have already built their lives here.

Comprehensive immigration reform must address:

  •       Labor integration – Ensuring that immigrants have legal pathways to work and contribute.
  •       Legal protections – Preventing wage exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
  •       Family stability – Protecting children and families from unnecessary separation.
FINAL THOUGHTS: SEEING MIGRATION AS AN OPPORTUNITY

I don’t see migration as a problem, I see it as an opportunity. History has shown that when immigrants are given the chance to succeed, they lift up entire communities. They open businesses, create jobs, and strengthen the economy. They enrich our culture and remind us of the values America was built on—hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of a better life.

Wind of the Spirit members celebrate Morristown council endorsement of the Immigrant Trust Act, Jan. 28, 2025. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Rather than focusing on division, we need policies that foster inclusion. We need to recognize the humanity behind the statistics.

If we embrace immigration as a force for good, we can build a stronger, more united nation one that values every person who calls this country home.

This is not just about politics or economics. It’s about people. It’s about families, dreams, and the kind of country we want to be. Let’s make sure we choose a future that includes everyone.

Esperanza Porras-Field is a Morristown-based real estate broker, former mayoral candidate, and president emeritus and founder of the Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce, which she established in 1989. A native of Colombia, she emigrated to the United States in 1975 to pursue her education at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, where she earned her degree from the School of Social Sciences. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1983.

Opinions expressed in commentaries are the authors’, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.

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10 COMMENTS

  1. English.
    There are many languages spoken around the world. When cultures and people legally migrate. They respect and proudly want to learn English to assimilate and become patriots.
    There are those who follow nothing and then also have an attitude about learning the country language. It’s an overall mentality that’s really just of entitlement.

  2. Submit to the laws of the land.
    There is no excuse or rhetoric to justify illegal immigration and virtue signaling.
    As a culture, be a people of law abiding respect and assimilation to wherever you land.
    Hostile takeovers aren’t an agenda.

  3. Todos somos ciudadanos del mundo, y al nacer no elegimos el lugar donde hacerlo, no por esto deben ser discriminados, finalmente todos somos seres humanos con los misma derechos sea en el país de nacimiento o el lugar que se elige para crecer, formar una familia, trabajar contribuyendo con los impuestos, además para nadie es un secreto que son los inmigrantes los que llegan a este país a hacer los trabajos que los ciudadanos no quieren hacer, son esas personas que mantienen a flote la economía, porque al igual que todos consumen, así que el dinero ganado no se envía todo para sus países de origen, esto mencionando solo a los que son empleados, pero están dejando de lado todo inmigrante que llegó con el sueño claro a este país y creó su empresa, aún sin tener documentos y mejor aún generan empleos, acaso se ha preguntado de qué país es la persona que le corta el pasto o limpian sus casas, o las baby sisters que cuidan sus hijos? De donde son las personas que trabajan el campo, o quienes son los que trabajan en las factorías o aquellos que les sirven en los restaurantes, donde a diario compra su comida. De qué país son los constructores, o el que le permite tener la comodidad de recibir su comida o sus compras en la puerta de su casa?
    Es válido que esta nuestra casa y nadie le gusta que entren sin permiso y (porque más bien no crear programas para que puedan entrar legalmente a este país, en vez de cerrar las fronteras) es cierto también que han entrado personas que han afectado el orden público y social o que no cumplan las normas, (en estos casos su sería justificable el echo de que lo deporten a sus países de origen, ese el el precio que deben pagar por no sabersen comportar como se debe, pero no por esto el resto de las buenas personas que han inmigrado a ese país deben ser deportados a lugares donde salieron corriendo por que su vida estaba en peligro, porque no tuvieron oportunidades de salir adelante, porque aquí formaron su HOGAR.

    TRANSLATION VIA GOOGLE:

    We are all citizens of the world, and when we are born we do not choose where to do it, this does not mean we should be discriminated against, after all we are all human beings with the same rights, whether in the country of birth or the place we choose to grow up, start a family, work contributing taxes, and it is no secret that immigrants are the ones who come to this country to do the jobs that citizens do not want to do, they are those people who keep the economy afloat, because just like everyone else they consume, so the money earned is not all sent to their countries of origin, this mentioning only those who are employees, but they are leaving aside all immigrants who came to this country with a clear dream and created their company, even without having documents and better yet, they generate jobs, have you ever wondered what country is the person who cuts your grass or cleans your houses, or the baby sitters who take care of your children? Where are the people who work in the fields, or who are those who work in the factories or those who serve you in the restaurants, where you buy your food daily. From which country are the builders, or the one that allows you to have the comfort of receiving your food or your purchases at your front door?
    It is true that this is our home and nobody likes it when people enter without permission and (why not create programs so that they can enter legally to this country, instead of closing the borders) it is also true that people have entered who have affected public and social order or who do not comply with the rules, (in these cases it would be justifiable to deport them to their countries of origin, that is the price they must pay for not knowing how to behave as they should, but that does not mean that the rest of the good people who have immigrated to that country should be deported to places where they ran away because their life was in danger, because they had no opportunities to get ahead, because here they formed their HOME.

  4. Naturalization via the Statue of Liberty, and all its processes were a minimum of 15 years with strong offsetting factors. Sorry to the liberals who find the policy inconvenient and want to result to violation of Federal Law and than parasiting off the backs of hundreds of years of death, sacrifice and service from those who FORGED and did the work. Liberalism is a disease. And ping ponging and satirical attacks on the president really is comedic. NJ is the capital of corruption. BUILD up your countries. Develop your culture. Establish a reputation for success. Put yourselves to work and write a legacy. In 250 years they too can be proud of the innovation and progress in their own coutnry and have that same sense of achievement and pride. Not invading borders and anchor baby logic.

  5. Many of the problems of the countries that immigrants are leaving are due to colonialism and climate change. I don’t see what the problem is if they come here and want to work and contribute to society. I’m especially impressed with people who travel 1000s of miles with kids in tow, under constant threat, who are trying to find a better life. Immigration law isn’t simple, and many of the people coming are escaping tragic situations often traceable to the actions of the countries they are fleeing to. Certainly the law needs to be reformed, so its clear to everyone, the process of coming to this country, and how to become a naturalized citizen in a reasonable time frame if one is seeking asylum. I doubt clarity will come soon, as cynically, I think both major political parties benefit from the current situation. One can have both mercy and order.

    I find the moralizing about the law comical, since the current president is a felon who incited an insurrection that resulted in the death of several police officers. He employed hundreds of illegal immigrants on his properties over the years. His current and third wife, was an illegal immigrant. His unelected co-president, the richest man on the planet, is currently illegally shutting down congressional appropriations to feed poor children so there is money for a taxcut for himself. He had quite a questionable history with his visa too. Our previous president had to flip flop and pardon his own son to save him from a life of bad choices. The fruit pickers from Central America just don’t seem so bad…

  6. Did the work. Cultures who built up their own countries and took that same approach. To BUILD. Build up your countries, culture, attitude and lifestyle. It’s not about taking what others have created. Entitlement is not accomplishment.
    By Bill Swayze

    The Marquis de Lafayette, the famous French general who helped turn things around for the Continental Army 250 years ago, will take a victory lap in Morristown this summer.

    A parade will commemorate an 1825 Morristown visit by Lafayette, who at that time was the last living general of the American Revolution.

  7. Destroying cities and the country with the warped logic! Go Build. Europeans have a culture of pride and resilience and building. Figure it out. Don’t presume to make it everyone else’s problem who has spent hundreds of years doing their work in war and pride of country. How ridiculous and disgraceful. And then bring attitude. Do the work. The entitlement is astonishing. Raise Black Voices up. Citizen voices.

  8. No one has a problem with immigration, although some people (like the author) like to pretend that’s the case. Rational people have a problem with ILLEGAL immigration. It’s a felony to enter the U.S. through anything other than a port of entry. It is a civil infraction to overstay. That should be changed to a felony.

    We don’t need immigration reform. We need enforcement and prosecution for these federal crimes.

    They need to target employers and other enablers and cut off all government funding for illegals.
    It’s amazing that people look for excuses and reason to allow and welcome invaders who have thumbed their noses at our laws while other people from other countries have followed the process.

  9. Time for some conservative writers to start producing articles and attending council meetings. The loudest voices are not the correct voices. They just overbear every situation they enter into in the hopes of beating people into submission of their agenda. We all have sympathizing stories of our histories, immigration, the struggle of our ancestors, war service, pride and country. All roads lead to LAW. You cannot take what you want and make rules to accommodate it because it’s a convenience to all the “hard work” done to succeed in illegal immigration. Backward logic is not the backbone of the country. We must honor the country, all those before and the sacrifices of those who built what seems to be others just want to show up with a suitcase and reap the rewards of. Its simple. The UNITED STATES of AMERICA has laws. Thats why we are a nice place and a land of opportunity. Our 3 generations of succession are what allowed us to be where we are. Do the work.

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