Last month, Onondaga County issued an emergency order that prohibited the housing and transport of asylum-seekers relocated from New York City. In response, the county filed a lawsuit against New York City to prevent the transfer of asylum-seekers to a hotel in the county. However, it would be in the county’s best interests to abandon the lawsuit and let the ban on asylum-seekers expire. Defending an illegal and unconstitutional order is not only bad governance, but it also overlooks the potential benefits of welcoming these asylum-seekers.
Refugees play a crucial role in revitalizing the economies of upstate New York, which are currently facing labor shortages and population decline. When it comes to workforce development, there is no significant difference between asylum-seekers and refugees who come to the U.S. through the overseas refugee resettlement program, except for work authorization, which asylum-seekers can obtain after six months in the country.
In Onondaga County, asylum-seekers could help address the challenge of preparing for the Micron plant in Clay. The construction of this new facility, with an investment of up to $100 billion, is expected to create 50,000 jobs over the next 20 years. However, it is uncertain whether the community will be able to attract enough workers to meet the needs of the facility and provide the skilled labor force required to run it. Immigrants could help alleviate both short-term and long-term labor shortages.
To recruit and train asylum-seekers for the jobs needed at the Micron facility, New York state could collaborate with the Tent Partnership for Refugees, founded by upstate Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya. This initiative has successfully partnered with leading corporations in the U.S. to train and hire refugees, including in the technology sector.
Sending a message that asylum-seekers are welcome is also important for attracting highly skilled professionals to the greater Syracuse area. People, both U.S.-born and foreign, often prefer to move to locations with open and inclusive policies rather than those that appear xenophobic. The U.S. already faces a shortage of STEM workers who are qualified to work in semiconductor factories, and attracting highly educated foreigners is necessary to meet the demand. An asylum ban and a lawsuit against New York City undermine the image of openness and diversity that the region needs to project.
The Micron plant has a significant role in protecting the U.S. supply of microchips, which are vital to our economy and national security. In light of China’s dominance in chip production and its tensions with Taiwan, it is crucial for the United States to capitalize on its ability to attract and welcome freedom-seeking individuals from around the world. Embracing this advantage would be a win-win situation.
In conclusion, the county should reconsider its stance and allow the ban on asylum-seekers to expire. Welcoming these individuals would not only contribute to the region’s economic growth but also strengthen national security. It is time to prioritize inclusivity and recognize the potential benefits of a diverse and welcoming community.
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