In the remote Nevada desert, Baker Ranch depends on immigrant guest workers from Mexico each year. About 300 miles south in Las Vegas, the economy thrives on the contributions of immigrants, who are essential to keeping the city’s 24-hour service industry operating.
Immigration Debate Intensifies Ahead of Elections
As the presidential election approaches, immigration remains a contentious issue among voters. While it incites fear and frustration, many immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for decades argue that the complexities of immigration policy are often oversimplified by both political parties.
Nevada, a key swing state, exemplifies the complicated economic and social factors at play in the immigration debate. The state’s role in the upcoming election could be crucial.
Job Growth Versus Resource Strain
Illegal border crossings have historically strained resources in cities and states, even in Democratic areas. However, recent months have seen a decrease in encounters between immigrants and law enforcement. Despite this, immigration continues to drive job growth, benefiting the economy and the federal government’s finances.
Divergent Political Proposals
Former President Donald Trump supports stringent measures that could lead to mass deportations. In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris advocates for pathways to citizenship for millions of undocumented individuals. However, she also emphasizes the need for increased funding for border security and tighter asylum rules under the Biden administration.
Erika Marquez, an immigrant justice organizer with Make the Road Nevada, noted, “Our focus is completely directed at the border, not toward the people who are already here and have been for many years.”
Guest Worker Programs Under Scrutiny
Both political parties have acknowledged the necessity of expanding guest worker programs in agriculture. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump administration labeled guest farmworkers as essential, resulting in increased participation. Nevertheless, Trump proposed a freeze on their salaries and eased housing requirements.
The Biden administration reversed those rules, resulting in over 310,000 H-2A visas issued in fiscal year 2023, up from approximately 213,000 in fiscal year 2020. However, new regulations aimed at protecting workers have frustrated some business owners, including the Bakers.
Janille Baker, who manages the ranch’s finances, remarked, “It is a hot potato, and both sides are to blame. Fearmongering is not a solution, and we cannot continue to criticize those who perform essential jobs.”
Economic Impact of Immigrants in Nevada
In Nevada, nearly 19% of residents are foreign-born, with 9% of the workforce lacking U.S. legal status. If all undocumented workers were removed, Labor Department estimates suggest job losses could rival those experienced during the 2008 financial crisis, which devastated the state’s economy.
Peter Guzman, president and CEO of the Latin Chamber of Commerce in Nevada, stated, “In our 24-hour economy, hotels and casinos could not operate without immigrants.”
Personal Stories Highlight Immigration Concerns
Many undocumented individuals may not be counted in deportation efforts, including those with temporary protected status and authorized guest workers. For example, Haydee Zetino, a 62-year-old immigrant from El Salvador with temporary protected status, is concerned about potential policy changes under a Trump administration. She lamented, “These people don’t have any conscience. They think they can lift the country, but they don’t consider those at the bottom.”
The Pew Research Center estimates around 11 million undocumented individuals live in the U.S. While larger states like California and Texas have significant undocumented populations, their political landscapes are less fluid than Nevada’s.
Nevada’s Uncertain Political Landscape
Despite holding only six electoral votes, Nevada is a battleground state that could swing in favor of either Trump or Harris. Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, represents about 75% of the state’s population and is home to a significant number of hospitality workers supported by the Culinary Union, which has endorsed Harris.
However, Trump successfully mobilized infrequent voters in the state during the 2020 election, and rural areas remain more conservative. Washoe County, home to Reno, is also considered a toss-up. Voters have the option to select “None” of the presidential candidates, adding to the unpredictable nature of Nevada’s electorate.
Voter Concerns about Immigration Policies
Many voters express anxiety over the potential consequences of the upcoming election. Nancy Valenzuela, a 48-year-old maid at the Strat casino, shared her concerns: “There’s a lot of fear. People without papers worry about being thrown out.”
As immigration continues to dominate the political landscape, the stories of individuals and the economic contributions of immigrants in Nevada highlight the need for a more nuanced discussion on this critical issue.
Related topics:
- A Pennsylvania Town is Flourishing with Haitian Immigrants but Faces Republican Backlash
- 11 Million Undocumented Immigrants Could Have Gained Citizenship Under Kamala Harris’s Proposed Bill
- Understanding Immigrants and Their Access to Public Benefits in the U.S.
