I have always admired President Bill Clinton. His understanding of immigration and the vital role immigrants play in building America deserves an honest conversation, if not consideration. I share his conviction regarding their importance, especially undocumented workers, many of whom contribute significantly to the economy in a quiet yet meaningful manner.
I wonder what Silicon Valley, the limo/taxi transportation industry, or the healthcare sector would look like today without immigrants, considering that many people working in these sectors were once undocumented or came to the U.S. without legal status.
Ongoing ICE crackdowns are likely to create significant labour shortages in essential industries, such as agriculture and auto repair. Farm work, especially crop harvesting, relies heavily on immigrant labour, much of which is undocumented.
Industries like cleaning services and fast-food joints, which heavily rely on this workforce, are likely already experiencing labour shortages due to immigration enforcement. Similarly, many small auto repair shops rely on skilled workers who entered the country without legal status.
Also, consider the men who wait outside establishments like Home Depot, regardless of the weather - rain, snow, or shine - in the hope that a contractor will stop to hire a few extra hands for a construction job. I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of them over the years.
Although they may not possess legal status, they are not criminals. Rather, they are labourers, tradesmen, and contributors to the thriving real estate and property development sector. Some have acquired skills in demolition and reconstruction, learning trades on the job. They fill critical labour gaps and perform jobs that are essential, albeit often overlooked.
Yet, today, many are being apprehended and deported by ICE. It is painful to watch. This country, renowned for offering second chances, now feels less like a land of opportunity for those endeavouring to earn an honest living.
These sectors, undoubtedly vital to the economy, could face disruptions if immigration enforcement continues without a parallel strategy to address the labour gap.
Of course, those involved in criminal activity, regardless of their documentation status, must face the law.
However, it is challenging to comprehend why someone would spend a fortune or risk so much to come to America, only to engage in criminal behaviour.
This does not represent the majority of undocumented immigrants.
Most undocumented immigrants from Africa or the Caribbean Islands are not involved in gang activity or crime. They would rather join the military than stay on the street, doing nothing.
Those from French-speaking West-African countries take English classes on arrival, learn trades, and seek upward mobility, while endeavouring to obtain legal residency through legitimate means.
One reminder for South American immigrants: America is not a bilingual country. While Spanish is widely spoken, English remains the official and dominant language. It's not legally mandatory, but essential for proper integration.
It's not uncommon to find Spanish-speaking home builders, commercial drivers, or automobile mechanics who’ve been here for decades, yet still struggle with or cannot speak a word of English. Learning the language should be a top priority. It facilitates integration.
That's a major handicap for immigrants from Haiti, specifically the guys. English is not their first or second language, and I believe that continues to play a role in their smooth integration and susceptibility to gang involvement on arrival in the United States.
In conclusion, given the intensity of the ongoing constitutional crises in California centred on the use of the military (deployment of the National Guard) by President Donald Trump, I firmly believe that we need a more nuanced conversation that distinguishes between those who contribute and those who exploit. Raiding workplaces to apprehend workers by ICE created the protest and resistance. Compassion and common sense should guide our policies before they escalate into a nationwide crackdown or violent confrontation.
Lagos, Nigeria
June 11, 2025
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