Immigrants have helped Colorado overcome coronavirus

by Angel Merlos/ Coalitions Director of the Libre Initiative-Colorado

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When America ultimately overcomes coronavirus, it will be because millions of us pulled together. Our communities have done their best to support essential workers, to socially distance, and to patronize businesses that are hurting badly during the lockdowns. That effort across communities has “bent the curve” in much of the country, and set the stage for a return to genuine economic growth.

This effort has united millions of Americans, and it’s also one in which immigrants continue to play an important part. Our state is home to an estimated 558,000 immigrants, who pay $5 billion in taxes. Immigrant-owned firms employ more than 100,000 people here – an important contribution to our prosperity. These residents – some citizens, and others not – have stood side-by-side, helping us get past this pandemic.

My organization – The Libre Initiative – is working with Coloradans to help make sure we have the tools we need to stay safe and healthy. Through virtual informational sessions about coronavirus, and resources on how to access health care, we’re helping to make sure families are properly positioned to get back to working and achieving the American dream. We’ve stayed in active contact with members of the Hispanic community – who we know are as likely as anyone to be part of young, working families, and face genuine challenges as they work to build a better future.

One thing that’s become clear through this effort is the role that Dreamers play in Colorado. These young people – brought to our country outside the law – are workers, students, small businessowners, and community leaders. They fill critical roles in this state and around the country. Across the nation, it’s estimated that there are 542,000 immigrants eligible for Dreamer protection currently working in health care and other essential industries.

They’ve risked their health for their communities – like millions of others across the country continue to do – but doing so while knowing their ability to remain in the United States is in constant question, as Congress stubbornly refuses to provide a process through which they can earn legal status.

We shouldn’t be surprised at the role that immigrants are playing in the current pandemic. America has always benefited from those who come here from abroad, in search of opportunity and a better life. When we think about the challenging times in our nation’s history, immigrants have consistently been a source of strength. They account for more than 700 recipients of the Medal of Honor – the highest award for valor in combat. Their heroism continues today, with thousands serving in the U.S. armed forces right now.

They are also a persistent source of jobs and wealth, with nearly half of America’s Fortune 500 companies founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. The firms they have founded employ 13.5 million people, and generate more than $6 trillion in revenue. That’s greater than the whole economy of countries such as Japan or the United Kingdom. All of us would be worse off if other nations were more successful at attracting these workers and entrepreneurs.

We benefit from the diversity of our people and our ability to attract people from every corner of the planet. And we are succeeding because we are coming together to do great things. This spirit is helping Colorado overcome coronavirus, and it will help us rebound and succeed in the months ahead.