Expand temporary workers programs to support the economy and the rule of law

In the ongoing immigration policy debate, finding common ground remains a challenge. Immigration is a multifaceted issue involving economic, social, and humanitarian considerations. While discussions often revolve around border security and immigrant entitlements, there's a pragmatic alternative that deserves attention: harnessing market-based solutions to address immigration challenges.

Immigration debates frequently center on the costs and benefits of immigration to U.S. citizens.

Critics argue that the costs of the current immigration system imposes a burden on taxpayers and strains available resources. While these concerns are valid, it's equally important to recognize that immigrants, whether documented or not, play a significant role in the U.S. economy and society. Striking a balance that respects the rule of law while harnessing immigrants' economic potential is essential.

Market-based solutions provide a path to strike this delicate balance, leveraging supply and demand principles in immigration management. Expanding temporary worker programs is one such market-driven solution. Here’s how:

Matching labor supply and demand: Temporary worker programs address labor shortages in industries like agriculture, hospitality, and construction. These sectors often experience fluctuations in labor demand throughout the year. Temporary worker programs allow employers to fill short-term gaps by hiring foreign workers when needed, aligning with the market principle of efficiently matching labor supply with demand.

Economic contributions: Temporary workers directly contribute to the economy by filling essential roles and supporting businesses. Employers pay competitive wages, reflecting market-driven compensation, and these workers spend their earnings in local communities, stimulating economic activity.

Flexibility for employers: Market-based temporary worker programs offer employers flexibility to adjust their workforce according to market conditions. When demand rises, they can hire more temporary workers; when it falls, they can reduce their workforce accordingly, a crucial aspect of market-driven solutions.

Minimized incentives for unauthorized labor: By providing legal avenues for employers to hire temporary workers, these programs reduce incentives for individuals to engage in unauthorized or illegal employment. This aligns with market principles by regulating the labor market and discouraging illegal labor practices.

Market competition: Temporary worker programs introduce labor market competition, prompting businesses to improve working conditions and offer competitive wages to attract and retain skilled temporary workers. This competition mirrors market-driven dynamics.

Crucially, market-oriented solutions recognize the principle of supply and demand within the immigration context. They acknowledge that immigrants will continue to seek opportunities where they exist. If job opportunities abound, immigrants are more likely to come, but if these opportunities dwindle, their incentive to migrate decreases, naturally reducing immigration numbers.

This approach doesn't advocate for open borders or a disregard for the rule of law. Instead, it underscores the idea that immigrants, when provided opportunities to contribute their skills and talents, strengthen the nation's economic foundation.

Moreover, addressing immigrant benefits shouldn't solely focus on cost-cutting measures. It should consider how immigrants can become net contributors to society. By leveraging their potential, immigrants can boost economic growth, create jobs, and enrich the cultural fabric of our nation.

A market-driven approach to immigration, grounded in supply and demand dynamics, can help bridge the divide in the immigration debate, particularly appealing to conservatives. It acknowledges immigrants' vital contributions while upholding the rule of law and ensuring that benefits are earned through economic participation. Embracing market solutions, we can create an immigration system that fosters prosperity, innovation, and unity while upholding our nation's defining principles.

Jayme Renfro is an associate professor of political science at the University of Northern Iowa.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Temporary workers programs can support our economy