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Arkansas State Issue

Should more be done to help protect the rights #immigrant workers in Arkansas?

Score for this "YES" opinion :
Score is TBD

"Protect rights of contributing Arkansas immigrants" Sep 10, 2024

Migrant workers play a vital role in the economic growth of any developing country. In Arkansas, 5% of the residents are immigrants, and 1 in 14 workers are immigrants. With this ratio, the government should enhance laws and policies concerning workers' rights for immigrants.

These enhancements will improve the economic impact of immigrants' contributions through expenditures and revenues. Including them in developing strategies for creating labor market policies like providing regularization, formal employment, and training for immigrants is essential.

Immigrant workers are hired in sectors where there is a skill shortage. They are the ones who fill the jobs that require hard labor most of the time. They are given lower-quality jobs, like those in construction and household services. 

Involving them in jobs with high-standard will allow them to show their skills and qualifications. This will increase an immigrant's contribution to Arkansas through its expanded tax base.

In recent years, some employers have tried to reduce the legal protections given to immigrant workers in exchange for higher profits. They become vulnerable to threats like workplace safety and low wages without protecting their rights. 

These immigrant workers also play an integral part in the Arkansas workforce and contribute to over a billion dollars in taxes yearly. Not only do they pay their taxes, but they also contribute to public finance by being consumers, investors, and depositors. They are the ones who help the economy rise by spending the money they earn at the place where they live. 

Policies on immigrants' rights may not have been a priority, but they should be now, as the state benefits from them at various levels.

Immigrants are an essential component of Arkansas' labor market. Thus, comprehensive policies should be adapted to protect their rights and benefits. With these, policymakers should design and implement policies protecting immigrant rights and enhancing their economic contributions.

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