LINCOLN — Over 60 Nebraska organizations gathered at the State Capitol on Wednesday to push for significant changes in both state and federal immigration policies. Their goal is to create more opportunities for immigrants to work and settle in Nebraska.
Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed surprise at the broad support for immigration reform, noting that just two years ago, such a unified stance seemed unlikely. He attributed this shift to his extensive travels across the state, where he encountered diverse viewpoints and concerns about Nebraska’s economic future, community stability, and a labor market with up to 80,000 job vacancies.
“We don’t see a solution to Nebraska’s workforce problem without immigration reform and successful community integration,” Slone said.
Origins of the Coalition
The coalition, now known as the Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities, originated from a smaller group formed two years ago by leaders from the chamber and Omaha Together One Community, a long-standing advocacy network. The alliance includes diverse supporters such as labor unions, hospitals, banks, and agricultural producers.
The coalition is advocating for updates to immigration policies, citing issues such as long-term residents in Nebraska being “stuck in immigration limbo.” This includes approximately 2,500 “Dreamers” under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and around 2,000 individuals on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to crises in their home countries.
While DACA and TPS holders often have temporary work permits, they lack a clear path to permanent residency. The coalition aims to provide a secure way for these individuals to remain in their communities and continue contributing.
Personal Stories Highlight the Need
Nebraska Appleseed, a member of the coalition, shared testimonials from people like Cleofes Sarmiento of Wakefield. Sarmiento, who has lived in the U.S. under TPS since he was two years old, expressed his fear of being forced to leave a country he considers home. He hopes to see the impact of his research in the U.S.
Absent Officials and Future Plans
Notably absent from the event were Nebraska’s congressional delegation and state lawmakers. Darcy Tromanhauser, director of immigrant integration and civic participation at Appleseed, emphasized the importance of building broad support from various sectors and political viewpoints.
The alliance plans to meet with congressional and state representatives to present their goals and push for action. Many supporters have national affiliates that can provide additional backing.
Proposed Federal Changes
The group is advocating for several federal changes, including:
1. Increasing visas for employment and family ties, especially in high-demand sectors like agriculture and hospitality.
2. Allowing spouses and children of temporary visa holders to work in the U.S.
3. Making farm worker visas available year-round, rather than seasonally.
4. Enhancing immigration infrastructure by increasing funding for court judges and case processing.
Currently, the Omaha immigration court, which handles applications for Nebraska and Iowa, has the longest wait times in the nation—about 5.5 years for asylum hearings. It also has one of the highest asylum denial rates, with a 90% denial rate compared to the national average of 61%.
State-Level Recommendations
At the state level, the coalition is pushing for:
1. Comprehensive training for DMV workers to assist foreign-born applicants.
2. Improved procedures for transferring professional licenses from other countries.
3. Investment in “New Nebraskan Centers.”
4. Access to unemployment insurance for TPS and DACA recipients, as Nebraska currently bars such access.
5. Reversing Nebraska’s stance on limiting healthcare access for DACA recipients.
Local Efforts
Locally, the group suggests increasing affordable housing and childcare options, and adding more ESL teachers in schools.
The Workforce Challenge
Denise Bowyer of Omaha Together One Community emphasized that the alliance’s efforts are grounded in numerous conversations across Nebraska. She noted that immigration laws have not been significantly updated since the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act.
With baby boomers retiring and Nebraska experiencing some of the lowest unemployment rates and highest labor participation rates in the nation, the need for immigrants is pressing. Al Juhnke of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association highlighted the ongoing shortage of workers in various sectors and questioned why legal avenues for immigration are not more accessible.
Laura Field of the Nebraska Cattlemen echoed this sentiment, stressing the interconnectedness of industry needs and community life.
Zoe Olson of the Nebraska Hospitality Association pointed out that restaurant and grocery store closures due to staffing shortages are impacting community livability.
The alliance’s push for immigration reform aims to address these pressing issues and support Nebraska’s future growth.