When a nation faces significant turmoil, the responsible act for citizens living abroad is not to flee but to return home. Inspired by Ukrainians and Israelis who went home during crises, the argument is that engaged citizenship requires presence and participation, especially during difficult times.
Key sectors like construction, agriculture, and home healthcare depend on immigrant labor because domestically-born workers are unwilling to perform these physically demanding jobs. This creates a structural economic dependency that is often overlooked in political debates about immigration.
Contrary to the narrative that they drain resources, undocumented immigrants contribute billions annually to systems like Social Security and Medicare. Because most will never be eligible to claim benefits, this labor segment is highly profitable for the U.S. economy and helps fund services for citizens.
To curb undocumented immigration, the most effective strategy is targeting the demand side by imposing heavy, consistent fines on companies that hire undocumented workers. This removes the primary economic incentive for migration, leading to 'self-deportation' more effectively than focusing solely on border enforcement.
For high-profile professionals who typically command large speaking fees, attending key industry events like SXSW or Cannes Lions without pay is a strategic move. The value of networking, brand visibility, and staying relevant within their industry outweighs the immediate financial compensation.