Photo Courtesy of The Office of Governor Wes Moore
This past Tuesday Governor Wes Moore, in partnership with the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC), convened a roundtable discussion in Annapolis with Maryland small business owners and economic experts to examine how current federal immigration enforcement policies are affecting the state’s workforce and economy. Participants represented industries ranging from agriculture and construction to healthcare and childcare.
Research presented at the event found that immigrants constitute a significant share of Maryland’s workforce, including 36% of construction workers, 29% of registered nurses, 33% of childcare providers, 24% of STEM workers, and 30% of the state’s entrepreneurs. Economic projections discussed at the roundtable estimate that large-scale deportations could result in the loss of approximately 115,000 jobs in Maryland, including roughly 50,000 positions held by U.S.-born workers. A supporting factsheet summarizing six months of research on the economic effects of current federal immigration policy, which can be found here, was also released by the Governor’s office.
American Business Immigration Coalition CEO Rebecca Shi noted that immigrants currently make up over 21% of Maryland’s overall workforce and called on Congress to pass legislation addressing work authorization for long-term immigrants, Dreamers, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. Business representatives at the roundtable described rising costs and workforce shortages as immediate operational concerns.
Governor Moore also announced a new partnership between the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and immigration law firm Berry Appleman & Leiden to provide Maryland small businesses with guidance on compliance as federal immigration policy continues to evolve. The initiative will include webinars, office hours, and informational resources to help businesses stay informed and remain in compliance with applicable law.
