Expert Says Iowa Needs Immigrants

By Beth Malicki, Anchor/Reporter

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By Beth Malicki

Story Created: Feb 13, 2007 at 6:48 PM CST

Story Updated: Feb 13, 2007 at 11:05 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - An expert says the state needs immigrants -- legal and illegal -- to keep Iowa growing.

Immigrants are working in Iowa factories, sending their kids to Iowa schools and spending money at Iowa stores. But getting rid of those here illegally could cost the state more than manpower.

The issue of illegal immigration came to light after the feds arrested 90 workers at the meatpacking plant in Marshalltown back in December. Some of the workers were deported- others sent to detention facilities.

"I feel so sad for those people who come here that illegally because they are afraid the whole time," said Damaris Mulcahey, a legal immigrant from Panama.

Legal immigrants at the Catherine McAuley Center in Cedar Rapids don't have to live with that fear. They have legal status because they are refugees, on a work visa, or married to an American.

Legal citizens at the McAuley Center are studying to pursue their citizenship; something illegal immigrants aren’t allowed to do.

"We need a lot more McAuley Centers to carry this out and we need other programs to teach about citizenship and welcome you," said Delores Kaiden, a volunteer with the Catherine McAuley Center.

"Immigrants are coming to a place like Iowa is because the number of folks of the appropriate age to take those jobs are shrinking," said Grey.

Dr. Mark Grey helps communities work with immigrant populations.

He says immigrants are a vital part of Iowa, regardless of documentation, and they're filling the gap in population and helping keep communities alive.

"Two-thirds of our population growth right now is due to the Latino influx so if we didn't have these folks moving to our state our populations would be barely growing," said Grey.

Many people disagree with immigration reform that would allow illegal immigrants some sort of legal status. Recently Marion’s mayor said he wants to crack down on illegal workers in his city.

Swift and Company says it's hiring to fill the nearly 1,300 employees it lost in the raids. It lost nearly $30 million to recruit and train new employees for its plants in six states.

E-mail Bruce Aune at Bruce.Aune@kcrg.com

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