In Las Vegas, situated about 300 miles to the south, immigrants play an equally crucial role in maintaining the city’s around-the-clock economy, catering to visitors of various political and socioeconomic backgrounds.
As the presidential election looms, immigration has become a hot-button issue, generating anxiety and anger among voters. While immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for decades plead for a more nuanced conversation, the visibility of simpler solutions promoted by both political parties tends to overshadow their voices.
The complex realities surrounding immigration are particularly evident in Nevada, a battleground state that may influence a tightly contested election.
Key points from the recent report include the impact of immigration on the presidential race. The increase in illegal border crossings has historically strained meeting the demands of urban and state resources in Democratic areas, even though encounters between immigrants and law enforcement have significantly decreased in recent months. At the same time, immigration has been a driving force behind job creation, enhancing the economy and benefiting the country’s fiscal stability.
Former President Donald Trump has been vocal about implementing strict measures that would lead to mass deportations, while Vice President Kamala Harris is advocating for creating pathways to citizenship for millions of undocumented individuals. However, Harris is also emphasizing the need to enhance border security funding, reinforcing current Biden administration policies that have made it more complex for immigrants to obtain asylum upon reaching the southern border.
“I believe our focus is completely centered on border issues rather than on the individuals who have established their lives here for many years,” remarked Erika Marquez, an immigrant justice organizer with the advocacy group Make the Road Nevada.
There appears to be bipartisan acknowledgment of the need to expand guest worker programs, particularly in agriculture. During the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump administration classified guest farmworkers as essential, leading to an increase in program participation throughout his presidency. Nevertheless, he also suggested a rule to freeze their wages for two years which had implications for worker housing and transportation reimbursements.
In contrast, the Biden administration reversed those regulations. In the 2023 fiscal year alone, over 310,000 H-2A visas were issued, compared to approximately 213,000 in fiscal year 2020, during the final year of Trump’s administration. However, the current administration has also introduced new regulations intended to safeguard workers, which have occasionally caused dissatisfaction among employers like the Bakers.
“This topic has become a political football, with blame being passed between both parties,” noted Janille Baker, who manages the financial operations of the ranch. “Eventually, these immigration issues will need to be addressed constructively. One cannot continue instilling fear while disparaging those willing to perform essential jobs.”
Immigrants are a vital force in Nevada’s economy, with nearly 19% of residents foreign-born, and about 9% of the workforce lacking legal status. According to Labor Department statistics, if every undocumented worker in the state were suddenly removed, the job losses would be comparable to those experienced during the 2008 financial crisis, which resulted in a significant downturn in tourism and widespread foreclosures, ultimately costing the state approximately 9.3% of its jobs in the subsequent Great Recession.
“In our vibrant 24-hour economy, it’s clear that hotels and casinos wouldn’t be able to function efficiently without the contributions of immigrants,” stated Peter Guzman, president and CEO of the Latin Chamber of Commerce in Nevada.
The complexities surrounding immigration also include individuals with temporary protected status, in addition to the guest workers at Baker Ranch, all of whom have authorization to live and work in the U.S.
Haydee Zetino, a 62-year-old immigrant from El Salvador working as a housekeeper at Harrah’s Casino on the Las Vegas strip, possesses only temporary protected status. She recalls how Trump sought to eliminate many protections during his first term, raising concerns that similar actions could recur if he were to take office again — language that resonates deeply with her, even though she cannot vote.
“There’s a lack of empathy among those advocating for mass deportation,” she expressed. “They believe they can enhance the nation and advance the economy, yet they fail to consider the most vulnerable members of society.”
Nevada, a small state, may play a significant role in shaping the election outcome. Research estimates that around 11 million people are undocumented in the U.S. While larger states like California, Texas, and Florida house a greater number of such individuals — and thus could potentially shape workforce dynamics — they tend to have more defined partisan leanings and may not impact election results as significantly as a swing state like Nevada.
Despite its modest six electoral votes, Nevada is seen as a crucial battleground that could favor either candidate, Trump or Harris. Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, constitutes about 75% of the state’s population and features a considerable number of workers in the hospitality sector represented by Nevada’s influential Culinary Union, which has backed Harris.
However, Trump successfully mobilized infrequent voters in and around the region in 2020, performing well in much of the rural and conservative areas of the state. Washoe County, which is home to Reno, remains a consistent battleground. Voters in Nevada also have the option to choose “None” of the presidential candidates, reflecting the unpredictable nature of its electorate.
This uncertain political climate has left many constituents feeling anxious. “There’s a prevailing sense of fear,” shared Nancy Valenzuela, a 48-year-old maid working at the Strat casino. “Many individuals lack proper documentation, and there’s a looming sentiment that ‘they want to expel all of us.’”