Idaho’s Unauthorized Immigrant Workforce: An In-Depth Look

The Gem State, known for its breathtaking landscapes and, of course, potatoes, also grapples with a complex issue: the role of unauthorized immigrants in its workforce. This ain’t just some political hot potato, folks, it’s about the very backbone of Idaho’s economy, especially when it comes to agriculture. A report hot off the presses from the University of Idaho’s McClure Center for Public Policy Research, commissioned by some bigwigs in Idaho’s industries, is shedding light on just how intertwined unauthorized immigration is with the state’s economic engine.

Unveiling the Numbers: Key Findings from the McClure Center

Hold onto your hats, because some of these stats might surprise you. The report paints a picture of an often invisible but economically significant population:

Population: Think around 35,000 unauthorized immigrants callin’ Idaho home. And get this, that number’s been pretty steady for like, twenty years.

Economic Powerhouses in Disguise?

Here’s where things get interesting. The report suggests that unauthorized immigrants aren’t just workin’ here, they’re spendin’ here, and payin’ taxes too. Check it:

• Back in 2019, these folks had a whopping $570 million ready to pump into the local economy.
• And in 2014 alone, they coughed up $26.3 million in state and local taxes. Talk about contributing!

Bustin’ Myths About Work Ethic

Let’s be real, there are a lot of stereotypes about immigrants and work. But the report shows that a whoppin’ 92% of Idaho’s unauthorized immigrants are adults of workin’ age. And hold on to your horses, ’cause 86% of ’em are punchin’ the clock as we speak.

Who Are These Folks Anyway?

So, who exactly are we talkin’ about? Here’s a glimpse into the demographics:

• The majority, around 78%, hail from Mexico.
• And guess what? 58% can speak English.
• Oh, and almost half of ’em (48%) graduated high school or even went to college.

Got Milk? Thank an Immigrant (Maybe)

Let’s talk about cows, or more specifically, Idaho’s booming dairy industry. It’s a major economic player, rankin’ third in the nation for milk and cheese production. But here’s the kicker: this industry, along with much of Idaho agriculture, relies heavily on, you guessed it, unauthorized immigrants. Why? Labor shortage, plain and simple.

The Numbers Don’t Lie (About Milk, at Least)

Take a peek at the workforce makeup of the Idaho dairy industry:

• A whopping 90% are foreign-born, Spanish-speakin’ individuals.
• No surprise, 78% of ’em are from Mexico.
• Only a small slice, 11%, are U.S. citizens.
• And another 11% are from Central America.

Now, lemme tell ya, findin’ folks willin’ to do this kinda work ain’t easy. It’s tough, year-round, and let’s be real, not exactly glamorous. American-born workers ain’t exactly lining up for these jobs.