Political turmoil in Washington, DC, continues to generate media coverage. However the nationwide strike revealed much about America’s relations with its newcomers.

The national strike dubbed “Day Without Immigrants” highlighted the importance of foreign-born workers to America’s economy and society and also protested President Trump’s immigration policies. As with most political issues in the US these days the strike stirred partisan passions and the protesting immigrants and the current state of immigration policy in the US were simultaneously maligned and praised.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics there were about 26.3 million foreign-born people working in the US in 2015, making up 16.7% of the American workforce. The “Day Without Immigrants” strike gave America a momentary taste of what would happen without them. Thousands of businesses from construction companies to restaurants closed without their foreign-born workers or in solidarity with them. Students and staff at some educational institutions walked-out in protest and immigrants refused to spend money for the day.

There were even reports that the US Senate cafeteria was forced to shut down after immigrant workers called in sick to protest! The strike was a symbolic one-day affair so there was not a major negative financial impact, but protestors spread the message that immigrants pay billions of dollars in income taxes and contribute to American economic might.

Of course, certain media outlets covered the protest with the attitude that mmigrants who chose to skip work and boycott the economy are ungrateful to their adopted country. It was reported that in at least five states approximately 60 people lost their jobs for not going to work and participating n the protest. Several editorials and op-eds rehashed the old talking point that immigrants, legal and illegal, take jobs from American workers and put a strain on social services.

However, all recent data indicates that the number of unauthorized aliens in the US has slowed down in the past decade and many have lived in the States for years. The nationwide strike occurred ahead of expected major immigration policy plans to be announced this week. Among the announcements could be firmer plans for the controversial wall with Mexico. With 1 out of 30 people in America estimated to be an illegal immigrant President Trump was able to successfully seize upon the fears of many US citizens about undocumented aliens and promised
a crackdown.

The new president’s wall will supposedly stop the flow of illegal immigrants from Mexico, but overlooked is the fact that 25-40% of illegals come to the US via planes and overstay their visas. Also, the Mexican economy is currently doing well and population growth is slowing there so the idea that illegals are pouring over the border in droves is a false narrative. The 2,000 mile wall between the US and Mexico will have to overcome natural barriers such as mountains and rivers and cut through old villages and private property.

Of course, no one is yet certain how the wall, estimated to cost upwards of USD 20 Billion, will be funded and how it will be permanently maintained and staffed. It is well known that America is a nation of immigrants and relies on foreign-born workers to carry out many thankless, but necessary jobs. Immigrants contribute to the American economy and pay taxes and add to the cultural richness of the US. If immigration policy is to be overhauled it should not be xenophobic and contrary to American values of openness and tolerance for those seeking a better life in the US, but based on the most current analysis and information about immigration trends.