Week of December 23–28, 2024

Alaska’s population grew from 2023 to 2024 due to immigration, census estimates show

A recent surge in immigration helped offset the decline in U.S. births, contributing to a national population increase of about 3.3 million people from mid-2023 to mid-2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Texas and Florida led the growth, together adding over 1 million people, accounting for nearly a third of the nation’s population rise. This marked the largest single-year increase since 2001, driven by a 21% rise in net immigration.

Immigration became a key factor in population growth for 18 states across the U.S., with states like Florida, California, and Texas seeing significant increases. Immigrant population growth ranged from 19% in Alaska to 36% in Montana. These trends have helped reverse population losses in states like California and Illinois, which had seen declines earlier in the decade.

The increase in immigration could reduce potential losses in congressional representation after the 2030 census. For instance, California, which was expected to lose four seats, may now lose only three, while Illinois might lose just one seat instead of two. Florida, where growth has slowed, could gain one fewer congressional seat than originally predicted.

Demographer William Frey highlighted that immigration is now vital not just for large states, but for many parts of the country experiencing population stagnation or decline due to lower fertility rates and higher death rates.

Kelli Stump, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, reports a surge of concerned calls at her Oklahoma City law office since the election, with both new and longtime clients seeking advice. Many immigrants, including those with legal status, are anxious due to President-elect Donald Trump's promises of mass deportations and denaturalizations. Stump advises clients to remain calm and take steps to prepare for potential challenges.

Lisa Graybill of the National Immigration Law Center echoes this, urging immigrants to plan ahead. She emphasizes that no one is completely safe unless they have a legal basis to stay in the U.S. Graybill recommends that undocumented immigrants consult with attorneys to explore potential pathways to adjust their legal status. She also suggests that those in states where they can obtain driver’s licenses should do so, ensuring their vehicles and documents are in compliance.

Both Stump and Graybill stress the importance of taking Trump’s proposed immigration actions seriously while hoping for the best. Graybill's advice is to prepare for the worst while staying hopeful, recognizing that the immigration landscape is uncertain and requires careful planning.

28 December 2024 - Trump sides with tech bosses in Maga fight over immigrant visas

President-elect Donald Trump has weighed in on the H-1B visa debate, siding with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in favor of the program despite past criticism. Speaking to the New York Post, Trump expressed strong support for H-1B visas, citing their benefits for U.S. businesses and sharing that his properties have employed workers under the program.

Ramaswamy, tapped by Trump to reduce government spending, sparked controversy by arguing that foreign workers elevate the U.S. economy. In a post on X, he criticized American culture for prioritizing mediocrity over excellence, prompting backlash from anti-immigrant conservatives. He later clarified that the H-1B system is flawed and should be overhauled.

Musk defended the program, describing it as essential for attracting elite global talent. Critics, however, accused companies of using H-1B visas to suppress wages and questioned the meritocracy claims. Musk dismissed these allegations, labeling his detractors "hateful racists."

The debate intensified as Nikki Haley, Trump’s former UN ambassador, countered Ramaswamy and Musk, advocating for prioritizing American workers over foreign hires. Far-right influencers like Laura Loomer escalated the row, targeting Indian immigrants with racist remarks and accusing Musk of censorship on X.

Currently, H-1B visas are capped at 65,000 annually, with an additional 20,000 for U.S. master’s degree holders. Most visas are issued to Indian and Chinese nationals.

Trump, while pledging stricter immigration controls, denied claims of undue influence from Musk or other tech leaders. Addressing supporters in Arizona, he rejected the notion of ceding power, declaring, “He’s not gonna be president.”

Opponents of immigration often argue that the US used to attract high-quality immigrants, particularly from Europe, but now faces an influx from "backward" countries. However, a recent study challenges this view, highlighting that the golden age of immigration may actually be today. The study, conducted by Abramitzky, Boustan, Jácome, Pérez, and Torres, reveals that immigrants have had a lower incarceration rate than US-born men for the past 150 years.

The researchers used comprehensive Census data from 1870 to 2020 to track incarceration rates. While immigrant incarceration rates were slightly lower than those of US-born men from 1870 to 1950, the disparity grew significantly after 1960. Today, immigrants are 60% less likely to be incarcerated than US-born men, and 30% less likely than white US-born men, despite being younger, more likely to be non-white, and having lower incomes or education—factors often associated with higher incarceration rates.

These findings contradict common arguments against immigration, such as the idea that immigrants cause crime, lower wages, or increase unemployment. In fact, immigration appears to reduce crime rates, improve wages for low-income workers, and has not led to overpopulation. Moreover, immigrants are increasingly aligning with the political views of native-born Americans.

In light of this evidence, it’s clear that many arguments against immigration have been debunked, showing that immigrants contribute positively to society.

California’s southern border has long been a focal point for debates on immigration policy, particularly regarding local efforts to protect undocumented residents from deportation. Recently, San Diego County became the center of controversy after it took steps to bolster protections for undocumented individuals. In response, America First Legal Foundation, led by President-elect Donald Trump’s advisor Stephen Miller, sent a letter warning local leaders and employees in "sanctuary" jurisdictions that they could face criminal charges for hindering federal immigration enforcement.

The letter, sent on December 23, accused San Diego County of violating federal law. It also identified 249 elected officials in sanctuary jurisdictions who could face legal consequences for their immigration policies. Similar letters were sent to California Attorney General’s office and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

San Diego County’s actions included a policy passed on December 12, prohibiting local law enforcement from sharing information with immigration authorities about undocumented individuals in county jails unless a judicial warrant was obtained. This policy goes further than California’s existing sanctuary law, which limits cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to serious criminal cases.

The policy faced immediate opposition, with Sheriff Kelly Martinez declaring she would continue providing ICE access to jail inmates. San Diego’s Board of Supervisors chair, Nora Vargas, defended the policy, asserting it followed a rigorous legal review and emphasized the importance of honoring immigrants' contributions to the country.

Alaska’s population grew from 2023 to 2024 due to immigration, census estimates show

A recent surge in immigration has significantly contributed to U.S. population growth, offsetting a continued decline in births. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the nation's population increased by about 3.3 million from mid-2023 to mid-2024, with a 21% rise in net immigration. This is the largest single-year increase since 2001.

In Alaska, the population grew by 3,623, with 4,028 immigrants arriving. Texas and Florida led the growth, adding over 1 million residents, accounting for nearly a third of the national increase. Immigration played a crucial role, especially in states like California, Illinois, and Florida, where it helped reverse population losses.

In 18 states, immigration was the primary driver of growth. Demographer William Frey emphasized the broad impact of immigration, noting that it has helped stabilize population numbers in areas otherwise facing low fertility rates and high death rates.

States like California, North Carolina, and New York saw significant growth due to both immigration and internal migration. For instance, California gained about 233,000 residents, while Texas and Florida each grew by about 2%.

This demographic shift has political implications as well. States like California and Illinois, which faced potential congressional seat losses, may now fare better in the 2030 census. As immigration continues to play a pivotal role, it remains key to offsetting challenges posed by aging populations and low birth rates.

Immigration officers in New York carry out targeted enforcement, focusing on individuals who pose public safety risks, not sweeping raids. In one operation, officers apprehended a 23-year-old man from Ecuador, convicted of sexually assaulting a minor. Kenneth Genalo, head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations in New York, emphasized that the process involves careful targeting, not indiscriminate roundups. "We don’t grab people and then take them to JFK and put them on a plane," he explained.

With Donald Trump returning to the White House, his immigration agenda, including mass deportations, is a key topic of concern. However, the reality of ICE operations presents challenges. The number of individuals on ICE's target lists exceeds the resources available to agents, making enforcement a complex task.

Under the Biden administration, deportation priorities focused on public safety threats and recent border crossers. However, Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming "border czar," has indicated that the new administration could prioritize a broader enforcement approach, including removing immigrants whom courts have ordered deported, in addition to criminal offenders.

Homan has also suggested that individuals illegally in the U.S. may face deportation. "If you’re in the country illegally you got a problem," he stated. This approach could lead to a significant increase in deportations, though implementing such a broad policy remains a formidable challenge.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is focusing on workforce expansion through its 2024 Enterprise Transformation Initiative. The agency used direct-hire authorities to extend hundreds of job offers in the past year, including 185 tentative offers made at the Department of Homeland Security’s June hiring expo. This initiative is a key part of ICE’s multiyear strategy to address workforce gaps and enhance its operations. Recruitment efforts are expected to increase further under the incoming Trump administration.

Meanwhile, state chief information officers (CIOs) are prioritizing cybersecurity heading into 2025, as highlighted in the National Association of State CIOs (NASCIO) survey. Artificial intelligence (AI), including chatbots and virtual assistants, has risen to the second-highest priority, up from third place in 2024. Data management and analytics have also moved up to the fourth spot. Budget control and accessibility are among the new top priorities for 2025. Notably, some 2024 priorities, such as broadband and wireless, are no longer in the top 10.

In cybersecurity, the White House is bolstering protections in the energy sector through 32 high-impact initiatives. The Energy Department plans to expand its Energy Threat Analysis Center over the next two years, aiming to improve cyber threat data sharing across the sector.

Lastly, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Emil Michael as undersecretary of defense for research and engineering. Michael, who previously served at Uber and Klout, will focus on advancing military technology while reducing costs for taxpayers.

Lisa Meierotto, an associate professor and program lead in the School of Public Service, recently provided her insights on the immigration statement issued by Idaho Governor Brad Little. In the statement, Governor Little, along with 25 other Republican governors, expressed full support for President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to deport “dangerous criminals, gang members, and terrorists.”

Meierotto explained that the deportation policies highlighted in the statement are already part of existing legislation, making the statement’s claims more of a reiteration rather than a significant policy shift. She emphasized that the language used in the statement is vague and leaves much open to interpretation. According to Meierotto, while the statement promises future actions, the exact details of what will be implemented remain unclear.

This uncertainty surrounding the enforcement of these deportation plans reflects broader concerns over the ambiguity of immigration policies. Meierotto's analysis suggests that while the statement aligns with Trump’s previous rhetoric on immigration, the lack of specificity makes it difficult to predict how these plans will unfold in practice. As the situation develops, clarity and concrete policies will be crucial in understanding the actual impact on immigrant communities.

Her expertise highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding immigration policy in the U.S., especially as new administrations introduce their priorities while navigating existing legal frameworks.

Understanding the complexities of crises, such as immigration, can help business leaders better navigate potential challenges that may affect their companies. Two recent books by journalists with extensive experience covering immigration offer new insights into this contentious issue, shedding light on the history and people-related aspects of immigration. These books not only provide fresh perspectives but also offer a reality check for executives, potentially dispelling misconceptions about immigration.

In her book The 5 Basics Everyone Should Know About Immigration: Confronting Confusion, Peggy Sands Orchowski emphasizes that the lack of public knowledge about immigration is vast. She argues that immigration discussions are often clouded by confusion, political manipulation, and disinformation. "Immigration is a surprisingly emotional topic for Americans of all ages and stages," Orchowski writes. She notes that nearly everyone in the U.S. has personal or familial connections to immigrants, which makes the subject highly personal and difficult for many to approach with neutrality.

Orchowski’s insights highlight how deeply immigration affects not only policy but also individuals’ lives and attitudes. The book suggests that the emotional aspect of the debate, combined with a lack of clear understanding, can lead to widespread misinformation. By educating themselves on the topic, business leaders can be better prepared to address the challenges posed by immigration-related policies and their impact on workforce management, international relations, and corporate strategies.

As Donald Trump nears his return to office, a heated online debate has erupted among his supporters over the government’s visa program for “highly skilled” foreign workers. The controversy began when far-right figure Laura Loomer criticized Trump’s decision to appoint Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-born tech investor, as a senior adviser on artificial intelligence. Loomer’s condemnation triggered a backlash from tech leaders like Elon Musk, who defended the H-1B visa program, which allows companies to hire foreign workers.

The debate quickly spiraled into petty insults, with Loomer calling tech billionaires “termites” at Mar-a-Lago, while Musk dismissed her as a “troll.” Vivek Ramaswamy, former presidential candidate, also supported hiring foreign workers, citing an American culture that values mediocrity over excellence.

This clash raises the question of whether Musk, despite his association with MAGA, is capable of restraint. However, Musk’s actions reveal that his stance is driven by economic interests rather than ideology, framing immigration policy based on what benefits business and the bottom line. Meanwhile, Loomer’s xenophobic rhetoric remains unchanged.

Trump, who has used H-1B visas for his properties, weighed in during a phone interview, expressing his support for the program. “I’ve always liked the visas... It’s a great program,” Trump stated. This indicates that in this particular dispute, Musk has emerged victorious over Loomer.

President-elect Donald Trump’s promises of mass deportations and tighter immigration restrictions could significantly impact the U.S. economy in 2025. Marketplace reporter Elizabeth Trovall discussed the potential economic effects with “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio, highlighting both obvious and less obvious consequences.

One of the primary concerns is the potential for inflation. Economists believe that strict immigration policies could make it harder for employers to find labor, especially in sectors like construction, food service, and landscaping, which rely on immigrant workers. Julia Gelatt from the Migration Policy Institute notes that restricting immigration could even result in U.S.-born workers losing jobs. If employers can’t find immigrant workers, they may have to reduce operations and lay off native workers.

While the Trump administration bets on economic gains from these policies, there could be winners as well. Some U.S.-born workers in lower-paid industries might see wage increases due to reduced competition for jobs. Additionally, government spending on immigrant detention and border security could rise, benefiting private prison companies like CoreCivic and Geo Group, whose stocks soared after Trump’s election.

However, Trovall points out that the economic realities driving migration may persist despite restrictions. The U.S. remains an economic superpower with a tight labor market, and migrants from economically struggling countries may still risk illegal immigration for higher wages, finding employment quickly once they arrive.

Ultimately, Trump’s policies may lead to a complicated mix of economic outcomes.

The H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers, has become a contentious issue among President-elect Donald Trump's allies as his second term approaches. Tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have defended the program, arguing it is necessary to fill critical engineering and tech positions. Musk claims that a shortage of skilled engineers in the U.S. makes foreign talent essential. Ramaswamy, who is set to lead Trump’s new “Department of Government Efficiency,” also supports expanding the program, suggesting that America has prioritized mediocrity over excellence.

However, some of Trump’s other supporters, including far-right activists like Laura Loomer and commentator Mike Cernovich, have criticized the program. They argue that it contributes to the rise of foreign workers in U.S. companies and undermines American labor. Loomer specifically attacked the involvement of Big Tech leaders with Trump, claiming it threatens the country’s future.

The debate was intensified when Trump appointed Sriram Krishnan, a venture capitalist who supports H-1B visa expansion, as a senior adviser for artificial intelligence. As Trump has not yet clearly stated his position on the visa program for his second term, it remains uncertain whether he will restrict the visas as he did in his first term, or if his tech allies will influence him to maintain or expand the program.

Each year, 65,000 H-1B visas are issued, with an additional 20,000 granted to workers with advanced U.S. degrees.

For three decades, federal policy has limited immigration arrests near schools, designating them as "sensitive" areas where immigration enforcement was restricted. However, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to rescind this policy upon taking office, according to NBC News. This change could lead to increased interactions between immigration agents and parents, particularly during school drop-offs, and possibly result in students and their parents being detained.

Educators and advocates for immigrant children are concerned that this policy shift will create a climate of fear. They worry that families may avoid sending their children to school or participating in school activities, which could disrupt students' learning and hinder educators' ability to build trusting relationships with immigrant families. Patricia Gándara, a UCLA education professor, emphasized the impact of such a shift, noting that even the possibility of ICE presence could cause widespread anxiety in communities.

An estimated 4.4 million U.S.-born children have at least one undocumented parent, while roughly 733,000 school-aged children are undocumented themselves. Many others hold temporary immigration statuses that Trump has threatened to revoke. This policy change could affect these children’s education and well-being.

Despite this, some large school districts have already implemented or expanded policies from Trump’s first term to reassure students and parents. Additionally, lawmakers in states like California, where a significant number of children come from immigrant families, are proposing legislation to protect immigrant students from potential immigration enforcement actions.

The year 2024 was marked by significant debates on life issues, including abortion, assisted suicide, and immigration. Advocates and opponents grappled with government policies, public opinion, and the ballot box, leaving a mix of results and uncertainties for the future.

Natalie Dodson, a policy analyst at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, described the Biden administration as “radically pro-abortion” and criticized its actions, such as mandating taxpayer-funded abortion coverage at veterans’ hospitals and requiring government employees to facilitate abortion services for unaccompanied immigrant minors. Dodson also noted the administration’s disregard for conscience protections for medical professionals. Her advice to the incoming Trump administration was to remove federal involvement in abortion, defund pro-abortion groups, and uphold conscience and religious freedom protections.

Abortion was a pivotal issue in the 2024 elections, with 10 states voting on measures to protect abortion access, and seven of those passing. Since the 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade, abortion rates have risen. The Society of Family Planning's report showed a steady increase in abortions, with monthly national counts surpassing 98,000 in 2024.

Another contentious life issue was in vitro fertilization (IVF), with Catholic groups expressing concern over its ethical implications. A February Alabama Supreme Court ruling classified human embryos in IVF clinics as "children," which could lead to financial damages. Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk highlighted the ethical challenges of IVF, emphasizing that it often involves the destruction of embryos.