We rely on immigrants, and we need to fight for them
In the satirical 2004 film “A Day Without a Mexican,” all Latinos in California suddenly disappear. This upends personal relationships, cultural life and the economy. But a day without immigrants is no longer imaginary. It’s becoming reality in Trump’s America. Mass deportations and legal immigration restrictions are revealing how much we rely on immigrants.
Trump’s immigration policies will have a major impact on the labor market — especially on sectors that rely heavily on immigrant labor. This isn’t just low-skilled crop harvesters or high-skilled occupations like medicine and technology. It’s also social services, where immigrants make up a significant share of the workforce.
Immigrants are home health aides, personal care assistants, child care and elder care providers, and domestic workers. It’s a long list. Immigrants support disabled individuals like my adult son, who lives in a group home and requires 24/7 supervision. Immigrants make up 28% of the disability care workforce, and they stay in caregiving jobs longer than their American-born colleagues. This employment stability benefits both organizations and the people they serve.
Ninety percent of disability agencies are experiencing critical labor shortages. Seventy percent are turning away new clients and 39 percent have discontinued programs. Illinois nursing homes are among the worst in the U.S. in terms of staffing. Limiting immigrant workers without having domestic replacements will further destabilize an already-fragile workforce and reduce quality of care for people needing support. It’s our most vulnerable neighbors — like my son — who’ll pay the price.
Immigrant caregivers staff disability agencies, nursing homes and in-home care. But we’re headed for a day without them. That’s a reality check. America can’t function, let alone prosper, without immigrants. Let’s speak up for them. And let’s demand legal immigration pathways for immigrant care workers. Without them, the consequences are dire.
James B. Gould, Carpentersville
Elgin symphony rightfully recognized for its achievements
Congratulations to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra for the several honors awarded to the “Gem of the Fox Valley” just four years after it was close to bankruptcy.
CEO Marc Thayer took the helm in 2021 and successfully reversed the ESO’s financial woes. He was recently awarded an Excellence in DEI or Building Equity by the Elgin Image Awards, presented by the Enhancing Elgin Committee, which is part of the Elgin Development Group and the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce.
The symphony and the community are lucky to have had him working on their behalf, ending this past fiscal year in June with a $100,000 surplus.
In addition, the Illinois Council of Orchestras chose the ESO as its Illinois Orchestra of the Year and Chad Goodman as the Conductor of the Year.
If you have not attended the ESO concert, you are truly missing out on great music close to home. The new season began with attendance at near sold-old capacity. Guest appearances add extra enjoyment to the already fabulous music.
Goodman is in his third year and has stepped in not only with great knowledge as a conductor but with great personality as he eloquently imparts information about the music to his audience.
The ESO continues to be a wonderful part of Elgin and the Fox Valley and I am so glad it continues to thrive in our community.
Linda McDaniel-Hale, Sleepy Hollow
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