The ratio of non-Hispanic whites are shrinking, according to an article on-line and in today’s Tribune, A1. Senior Research Analyst Jeffrey Passel at Pew Hispanic, gave some pretty daunting figures.
It boils down to this - especially in AZ where so many come to retire, or migrate here from other states and countries; if we don’t embrace immigration in a productive, workable fashion - we’re going down the tubes faster than anywhere else!
The study made the math pretty simple. We have a senior population on the rise - the Census Bureau predicts that AZ in 2030 could have 41 seniors for every 100 working age, and 45 children under 18 - resulting in a dependency ratio of 86. That’s not good! It leaves fewer in the working population.
Immigration brings working age people who have children born in the U.S. To slow that process down, and since the study is based on a nationwide ratio, could be be the “kiss of death” to the U.S. economy.
When it comes to the census, at least in AZ, it’s generally well-known that not all immigrants show themselves counted for fear of what the government may do - even though the government is held by law to protect and not divulge any one’s identity in this process. I understand this is strictly adhered to; without an accurate account of those residing in the state, the state does not receive federal funds actually due it.
I’m wondering, do those that seem so slow in addressing immigration reform - know these facts? Perhaps. I’m convinced cooperation is the key.
These political issues, and so many more, are really too much for me to give another thought to. Therefore, I’d like to leave it to the experts of the world. As for me - it is: Adios!