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Trump will name more conservative judges. He may even pick a majority of the Supreme Court; Both sides react as Missouri reverses near-total abortion ban Literacy initiative to implement 250 new early-education activations in PA.

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President Biden asks Americans to turn down the temperature, House Speaker Mike Johnson promises an aggressive first 100 day agenda and Democratic governors vow to push back on Trump's plan for mass deportations.

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Texas women travel some of the longest distances for abortion care, Californians the shortest, rural living comes with mixed blessings for veterans, an ancient technique could curtail climate-change wildfires, and escape divisive politics on World Kindness Day.

New report highlights immigrants' vital role in Virginia's economy

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Monday, October 14, 2024   

Amid the ongoing debate on immigration, a new report showed how much immigrants boost Virginia's economy.

The report, "Immigrants Are a Vital Part of Virginia's Future," revealed immigrants contribute more than $100 billion to the state's economy and are essential to critical industries such as health care, technology and hospitality.

Freddy Mejia, policy director at the Commonwealth Institute, which helped publish the report, said immigrants are a key part of many industries.

"Sixteen percent of Virginia workers are immigrants and 34% of all chefs, 44 % of all computer engineers in Virginia and 28% of child care workers," Mejia outlined. "Immigrants are playing a vital role in feeding our community, in raising children."

The Immigration Research Initiative and Economic Policy Institute also contributed to the report. The findings come as immigration policies remain a hot-button issue, with critics expressing concerns over job competition and resource allocation.

Critics have argued undocumented immigrants are a strain on public services, yet Mejia pointed out the report highlighted undocumented immigrants, while paying taxes, often cannot access many public resources due to their legal status.

"That group in particular is paying into a system that does not allow them to participate in many of those uh, critical resources that many of us rely on," Mejia explained. "I think that's just important to note."

The report made several policy recommendations, particularly focusing on improving health care access and educational opportunities for immigrant children. Mejia added as Virginia's population ages, immigrants will play an increasingly important role in sustaining the state's economic growth.


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