The Red State Playbook: Opportunities for Refugee and Immigrant Inclusion and Workforce Engagement
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States currently faces acute labor shortages, with 31 states experiencing employment ratios lower than the national average, and employers are struggling to fill jobs that allow their communities to grow and thrive. Red states in particular have struggled with labor shortages that have been worsening over the last few years. The National Conference of State Legislatures has reported that the top priority among states is addressing workforce shortages, and according to the Worker Shortage Index, many red states are experiencing severe job shortages across all industries.
This critical labor deficit stands to worsen should the Trump administration continue on a path of revoking the lawful status and work authorizations of numerous humanitarian populations and targeting longstanding community members for detention and deportation. Such a substantial loss of labor poses a profound threat to many communities across the United States already struggling with demographic decline and workforce shortages.
Despite this challenging political environment, there remain opportunities to mobilize support for refugees, immigrants and other humanitarian populations, particularly around state workforce shortages and economic growth. States facing workforce shortages are already experimenting with innovative policies that seek to ensure refugees and other newcomers don’t face unnecessary hurdles to integrate, thrive, and contribute, such as establishing statewide Offices of New Americans, reducing barriers to occupational licensing, and sponsoring workforce studies and programs.
This policy guide highlights recent (2023-2025), primarily Republican-sponsored efforts to promote refugee and immigrant inclusive policies, many of which focus on economic growth and workforce, offering a roadmap of possibilities for advocates navigating challenging political environments. It is imperative that states develop and enact supportive immigration frameworks to sustain their workforces, bolster community resilience, and pressure their federal counterparts.
How to Use this Guide
This policy guide offers an overview of legislation, resolutions, and other initiatives that could serve as models for efforts in challenging political environments. It is important to acknowledge that not all policies presented in this guide offer the most ideal examples. Where capacity permits, the Refugee Advocacy Lab can provide policy expertise and guidance on how to enhance existing legislative models to better respond to the needs of refugees and other humanitarian populations.
