"Welcome Illegal Immigrants"... Bold Move by US City Struggling with 'Labor Shortage'

St. Louis, U.S., Faces Labor Shortage Due to Population Decline
"Plan to Bring in Immigrants from Latin America"

St. Louis in the United States is making every effort to recruit migrant workers from Latin America. This contrasts with the nearby city of Chicago, which has declared itself a 'sanctuary city' (a city that protects undocumented immigrants) and has consequently faced a large-scale problem of undocumented immigrants from Latin America.

According to local media on the 25th (local time), some of the undocumented immigrants from Latin America who were transferred to Chicago from the southern U.S. border area since August last year are expected to move to St. Louis soon.

The International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL), a private non-governmental organization (NGO) supporting the settlement of immigrants and refugees, stated, "St. Louis is facing a labor shortage due to continuous population decline," and added, "We plan to bring those Latin American immigrants currently staying in Chicago who are ready to work to St. Louis."

Carlos Ramirez, Vice President of IISTL, also said, "St. Louis desperately needs to recruit Latin American immigrants to strengthen its workforce."

Immigrants dreaming of entering the United States join hands to form a "human chain" as they cross the Rio Grande River bordering Mexico and the United States.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Previously, Chicago has struggled to provide housing and support as it received over 19,000 undocumented immigrants transferred over the past 14 months. City officials expressed concern that they are "beyond capacity and facing a crisis," yet the transfers continue. However, if Chicago re-transfers these individuals to St. Louis, it could become an opportunity for St. Louis to attract 'permanent migrant workers.'

In this regard, IISTL launched a new 'Latino Outreach Program' last month in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The program includes ▲ three months of free housing support ▲ six months of free phone and internet services ▲ English and computer education ▲ immigration and work permit legal assistance ▲ vocational training ▲ and job placement for Latin American immigrants settling in St. Louis.

Vice President Ramirez said, "Immigrants will be employed by nonprofit organizations such as Collective Thread to learn sewing, manufacturing, and plumbing skills," adding, "They will soon receive work permits and ultimately obtain immigration documents."