By Kim McDarison

Whitewater City Manager John Weidl was tapped to deliver the keynote address during a one-day conference held Tuesday titled: “‘How to Hire’ International Workers Conference.”

Addressing some 50 attendees, Weidl’s comments, lasting approximately 15 minutes, sought to address “The Why,” associated with “leveraging the skills of newcomer workers,” including immigrants, ESL (English as a Second Language) populations, and refugee communities.

The conference, which was held at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was organized by the Jefferson County Human Resources Management Association, in partnership with Thrive Economic Development, the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, the UW-Whitewater, and the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce, according to the conference’s website.

The full event offered speakers and discussion panels, with registration and breakfast beginning at 8 a.m., and closing remarks made at 3 p.m.

Within his comments, titled: “Diversity, Immigration, and International Hiring: More than a Financial Strategy — A Means for Creating Community Value,” Weidl said the topic was crucial to the area’s businesses and communities.

He said the city of Whitewater has an “unwavering commitment to embrace diversity and inclusivity,” calling the concepts “a cornerstone of our community’s mission and vision statements, and a key driver of our economic and societal well-being.”

Weidl said his comments would focus on the “value and importance of diverse cultures and inclusivity in business, and thereby, the value and importance in communities.”

He said: “Diversity and inclusivity in the workforce include immigrants, asylum seekers, international workers, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people of color, persons with disabilities, women, veterans, and other protected classes.”

He called such groups “catalysts for economic growth, innovation and community well-being.”

Along with focusing on the values of diversity, Weidl said he hoped to address “some misconceptions about immigration and highlight the significant value that international workers bring to our community.”

Under a subheading of “Economic Contributions,” Weidl said that immigrants “significantly contribute to our nation’s tax base, paying billions annually in state, local and federal taxes.”

Revenues paid by immigrants through taxation support, he said, “essential services.” He listed schools, healthcare, and infrastructure.

According to Weidl, in 2022, “immigrants contributed $382.9 billion to federal taxes and $196.3 billion to state and local taxes.”

Undocumented immigrants, Weidl said, “also pay significant taxes and contribute to the economy, paying an estimated $30.8 billion in total taxes in 2021, including $18.6 billion in federal income taxes and $12.2 billion in state and local taxes.”

Additionally, he said, they pay sales and property taxes, “often using Tax Identification Numbers to file income tax returns.”

Said Weidl: “In fact, the undocumented immigrant population, which is just a portion of the total immigrant population in the U.S., will lower the deficit by nearly a trillion dollars over the next decade, according to a study by the Congressional Budget Office.”

Under a subheading of “Business Creation and Innovation,” Weidl said that he found research showing that immigrants are “highly entrepreneurial, starting businesses at more than twice the rate of native-born Americans.”

New businesses create jobs, stimulate the economy and bring innovative ideas to market, he said.

Citing a study co-authored by an MIT economist, Weidl said that immigrants are about 80% more likely to found a firm compared to U.S. born citizens.

“This includes creating small, medium, and large businesses across various sectors,” he said, adding that more than 40% of the companies found on the Fortune 500 list were started by immigrants or their children.

Offering a Whitewater example, he  said: “we have seen companies shift to realize business opportunities related to more Spanish speakers joining our community. Associated Bank noticed that a significant number of its customers spoke Spanish and adapted to build and maintain those profitable relationships.”

Further, Weidl said, “We are witnessing a rise in businesses owned by people from diverse backgrounds. Several Hispanic-owned businesses, for example, have opened in our community to serve the needs and wants of a growing segment within the community. This contributes to the tax base and helps fill main street store vacancies.”

Moving to the topic of “labor pool and job market,” Weidl said that finding skilled labor “can be a challenge.”

He cited immigrants as among resources who could fill that gap.

Said Weidl: “Numerous studies indicate that immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, do not take jobs from native workers but rather complement them by filling essential roles and enhancing productivity. The National Bureau of Economic Research found that immigration has a positive effect on native workers’ wages, and the Congressional Budget Office reported that undocumented immigrants contribute to the economy without significantly impacting native employment prospects. The American Immigration Council highlights that immigrants often occupy different labor market segments, reducing direct job competition, while research by UC Davis economist Giovanni Peri confirms that immigration has no significant negative effects on native-born workers’ wages and employment. The National Academy of Sciences also notes that immigration fosters innovation and economic growth, benefiting the overall job market.”

In Whitewater, he said, the city’s Office of Economic Development staff had completed 25 business recruitment and retention visits.

“All but one reported that finding employees to do the work is a struggle,” he added.

In the United States, Weidl said, there are approximately 46.2 million foreign-born individuals, representing some 13.9% of the U.S. population.

Among immigrants, he said, some 11 million are estimated to be undocumented.

The majority, some 77%, are here legally, Weidl stated, with 49% defined as “naturalized citizens, 24% lawful permanent residents, and 4% legal temporary residents,” he said.

“Workforce challenges are part of the reason why we are working to break down barriers faced by many people who have migrated to Whitewater and who truly have become part of our community. By providing services and breaking down these barriers, we have the potential to solve a major problem for the majority of Whitewater businesses while helping people find the opportunity and dignity of creating a path to self-sufficiency,” Weidl said.

Weidl talked about public safety, noting that among concerns expressed is that of rising crime.

“However,” he said, “studies consistently show that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. They come here to build better lives for themselves and their families, contributing positively to the safety and well-being of our community.”

The city manager noted that in Whitewater, 95% of law enforcement’s time is spent, regardless of ethnicity and immigration status, dealing with 5% of the population.

He said there also is not a difference in the severity of the crimes.

“In terms of robbery and other severe crimes, newcomers with diverse backgrounds are no more likely than our existing residents to commit those types of crimes.

“In fact, we have seen over the years immigrants blending into the community and making meaningful contributions without incident. Certainly, there are headline-grabbing incidents that occur, but those headlines cross ethnic makeups,” Weidl said.

Weidl said that despite benefits brought be diverse populations, “misconceptions persist.”

Weidl continued: “Some believe that immigrants drain public resources or take jobs from locals. The reality is quite the opposite. Immigrants contribute more in taxes than they consume in public benefits. They also create businesses, fill jobs, and drive economic growth, benefiting everyone. The majority of immigrants are here legally and have been for some time.”

Weidl, offering his counter to misconceptions, advocated for more sharing of facts, and the highlighting of “real, tangible benefits that immigrants and international hiring practices bring to our community.”

He said that Whitewater, by virtue of enrichment through diversity, “derives strength from our collective ability to welcome people from all walks of life, including those fleeing hardship and persecution.”

He added: “As we face the opportunities brought by increased migration, particularly by those seeking asylum, our resolve to support every member of our community becomes more crucial than ever.”

With every challenge comes opportunity, the city manager said.

“If we are willing and able to identify and pursue these opportunities, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community for all,” he noted.

Weidl next spoke about seizing opportunity, pointing to efforts made by several city residents, including “longtime community member” Jorge Islas Martinez, whom, he said, teaches English within the Whitewater Unified School District, and is a co-founder, along with Sandra Heyer, of the Whitewater Adult ESL Program. The program aids immigrants and asylum seekers as they learn English, prepare for the citizenship test, become educated about banking and finances, and become more self-sufficient in their new community.

He also cited the city’s “Community Space,” which provides essential services, from bedding to food, Weidl said, free of charge.

“This initiative creates a truly welcoming environment for all, ensuring that those facing tough times, particularly asylum seekers, are met with support and dignity,” Weidl said.

He additionally noted contributions made by Whitewater Unites Lives, one of Whitewater’s service organizations, and “countless unrecognized volunteers across the community,” who supply, he said, not just material aid, but seek to make people feel “welcomed, respected, and valued.”

Whitewater businesses, too, have joined with community groups, Weidl said. Local markets are catering to goods from Latino countries.

“These examples demonstrate how we are turning opportunity into impact, as our growing community brings new perspectives and ideas, helping to improve services and increase competitiveness,” he said.

Addressing the topic of schools and education, Weidl said: “Our schools have also been enriched by the diversity of our student population.”

Weidl recalled words he said were recently shared by a teacher: “A diverse classroom enriches everyone by exposing us to different cultures, broadening our perspectives, and teaching us the value of inclusion and kindness. You get to step into someone else’s shoes, learn about a world outside of your own.”

He said that 42% of the students within the Whitewater Unified School District are from diverse families.

Further, he said, 388 students within the district are identified as multilingual learners, comprising nine languages that are supported in the district.

“This diversity not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares our young people for a globalized world, fostering empathy, understanding, and the ability to work together to achieve common goals,” Weidl said.

To address the city’s changing needs, Weidl said an operations and staffing study has been initiated. Weidl said the study will “help us learn how best to pivot our resources, adapting to the needs of migrants and international workers. This study is designed to assess our current capabilities and develop strategies to ensure our law enforcement, mental health, crisis intervention, and other service partners are prepared and equipped to meet the evolving needs of our community. This will enhance both safety and trust—an essential foundation for those who may have fled unsafe conditions.”

To adapt to the city’s “changing stakeholders,” Weidl said, “significant strides” had been made through investments. He cited advanced interpretation technology and partnering with University of Wisconsin-Whitewater educators for in-house language training, which, he said, “enhance the capabilities of our team, across departments, ensuring that our offices and staff are not only equipped to serve, but also to communicate effectively with all of Whitewater’s diverse groups, including those who might not yet be fluent in English.”

Weidl noted the launch of a pilot program in collaboration with the Open Arms Free Clinic and the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services. The program will be offered at Kettle Ridge Apartments, he said, which, he noted, has been identified by the city’s police chief as an area of “high need” based on “frequency of emergency calls.”

“Throughout the summer, the Health Hub will be on-site once a week, providing basic healthcare services and will have easy access to economic support programs, mental health services, and more. This initiative aims to improve access to essential services directly within our community, addressing both immediate and longterm needs,” Weidl said.

A link to the conference’s full itinerary is here: https://hireinternationalworkers.com/.

A video of City Manager John Weidl delivering his speech, as produced by the city of Whitewater, is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS1xn3ul25A.