Having a strong and diverse workforce is essential to a thriving economy. Without an adequate number of workers with the right skills, companies can’t fulfill their promises to customers and achieve their financial goals. So who fills these vital roles? Every year, the U.S. welcomes people from other countries who are fleeing persecution, war, or other troubles; some of these refugees settle in Texas, where they fulfill a solution to a workforce shortfall.
A labor shortage occurs when there are more job openings than there are workers, or the available workers don’t have the right skill set for all the open job positions. In Texas, businesses are seeing a shortage of non-skilled labor for work in warehouses and processing plants. These jobs are often physically demanding and may have lower pay, making them unattractive to many job seekers.
On the whole, refugees are a hard-working demographic. However, finding a job in the United States can be difficult, especially for those unfamiliar with American workplace culture. There’s also the issue of education; some people have not had the opportunity for a formal education or their academic credentials may not meet U.S. standards. This means they need low-skill jobs and employers willing to make some accommodations.
A large number of refugees settle in Texas every year. This means Texan cities and companies are in the perfect position to offer newcomers work. Immigrants also bring cultural wealth to areas they settle in and can boost local economies. Of course, municipalities should offer services that are uniquely needed by refugee communities. For example, a Dallas immigration attorney can help them maintain their immigration status.
When immigrants settle in an area suffering from labor shortages, it’s a win-win situation for businesses, the immigrants, and the community as a whole. Without a flux of new workers, economies can stagnate, creating unfavorable conditions for everyone. In fact, the decline in recent U.S. refugee settlements can be problematic for Texas’ future. Adjusting to new community members may not always be comfortable, but it certainly pays off.