NM is only state to see decrease in immigrant numbers
A few months ago in this space we commented on the relative lack of problems associated with the massive influx of illegal immigrants that has taken place during the Biden Administration. Now, according to a new Census Bureau report, capably covered by Newsweek, New Mexico appears to be the ONLY state in the nation to have seen a drop in the number of immigrants living here.
Of course, it is important to differentiate illegal from legal immigrants. Like native born Americans legal immigrants have plenty of choices as to where to live and work. As the story notes:
Newsweek spoke to Christopher A. Erickson, the director of New Mexico State University’s Center for Border Economic Development, about the reasons behind the decrease in the state’s foreign-born population.
“The primary motivation for foreigners to immigrate is to find a good paying job,” he said. “New Mexico is a low-income state with relatively slow job growth. This makes it less appealing for foreigners.”
The annual employment growth between 2012 and 2022 was 6.8 percent on average, added Erickson. The state also ranks 44th for per capita disposable income, according to research by Statista.
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. In terms of illegal immigrants, they certainly ALSO look for job opportunities, but often must live in the shadows. From a policy perspective the US needs to address both border security and immigration policy, but overall this report simply reinforces what we already know: New Mexico’s economy is not particularly attractive to native born and immigrant alike.
