Illegal migrants fuel New York’s economy: 670K residents living in the shadows

New York State is home to 670,000 illegal migrants, according to a shocking new report. Among them are 42,300 undocumented restaurant workers and 48,500 undocumented construction workers. This underground workforce is driving industries across the Empire State.

The Fiscal Policy Institute’s report, released Thursday, uncovers the massive role of non-citizens in New York’s economy. Out of 1.8 million non-citizen residents, many are undocumented. Some may hold green cards, but a significant portion works without papers.

Key findings: who’s working where?

The data reveals a widespread reliance on undocumented labor. Here’s the breakdown:

• Restaurant industry: 42,300 undocumented workers, including 7,000 chefs, 17,000 cooks, 9,100 food prep staff, and 9,200 waiters.
• Construction sector: 48,500 workers, featuring 29,500 laborers, 12,800 carpenters, and 6,200 painters.
• Personal care industry: 51,200 undocumented workers, such as 20,900 maids, 16,800 home health aides, 7,000 childcare providers, and 6,500 personal care aides.

Farm labor also relies heavily on migrants. Over half of crop workers nationwide are foreign-born. Many lack proper documentation or depend on H-2A visas.

The cost of deportation: economic chaos looms

Mass deportations could devastate New York’s economy. The report warns of disruptions in industries like construction, restaurants, and agriculture. Upstate farms could collapse without migrant workers. Dairy, fruit, and vegetable farms are particularly vulnerable.

“Even a 5-10% reduction in immigrant labor would have dramatic consequences,” the institute said.

These fears come as Trump’s administration tightens immigration policies. Advocates worry legal non-citizens are also at risk. Temporary visas, asylum seekers, and DACA recipients face uncertain futures.

Impact on everyday life

Removing migrants could hurt essential services. Childcare, home care, and construction could grind to a halt. Housing shortages might worsen as construction costs skyrocket.

Nathan Gusdorf, the Fiscal Policy Institute’s director, issued a dire warning. “These policies will devastate immigrant communities and harm New York’s economy,” he said.

The price tag of migrant aid

New York has already spent billions to support migrants. During the pandemic, the state created a $2.1 billion Excluded Workers Fund. This fund helped undocumented workers shut out of unemployment benefits.

Since 2022, New York City and Albany have funneled billions into migrant aid. Over 200,000 asylum seekers have crossed the southern border into the state. About 62,000 currently live in city-funded shelters.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s latest budget report estimates 471,000 undocumented workers in New York. The state’s population is just under 20 million, highlighting the scale of this issue.

Migrant contributions: a net positive?

Despite the controversy, migrants contribute billions to the economy. In 2022, undocumented workers paid $3.1 billion in state and local taxes. Refugees have also revived struggling cities like Buffalo and Syracuse.

Immigration advocates say these contributions outweigh any costs. David Dyssegaard Kallick, from the Immigration Research Initiative, says migrants are essential. “They are part of New York’s fabric. Deportations will have devastating consequences for everyone,” he said.

Opposing views: the other side of the debate

Not everyone agrees. Jason Richwine, from the Center for Immigration Studies, argues against illegal immigration. He says undocumented workers drive wages down.

“Reducing illegal immigration would help struggling American workers,” Richwine said. Employers might offer better wages if migrants weren’t an option.

Richwine also claims deportations would save taxpayer money. Programs like Medicaid and state welfare benefits wouldn’t go to undocumented migrants.

The debate over immigration is far from over. Trump’s crackdown has already impacted migrant families. Heartbreaking stories of separation are emerging.

New York faces a tough road ahead. Migrants are vital to the economy, but their presence sparks fierce debates. As policies tighten, the state must navigate an uncertain future.