More immigrants expected, and that's good

When the economy starts to pick up again, immigrants will be needed in the work force again. It is hoped that they are not leaving because of job cuts. - - Donna Poisl

Economists predict workers will be needed to fill future gaps

by Andrew Kirk, OF THE RECORD STAFF

The idea that Utahns with pioneer ancestry marrying young and having big families will keep the state forever white and forever young is a myth, asserts senior research economist Pam Perlich from the University of Utah.

Perlich, a demographer, presented her predictions for the state's make-up for the next 50 years at the Mountainland Regional Council on Workforce Services Thursday in Midway to regional administrators in the Department of Workforce Services and industry leaders who work with them.

Future demographics may not be what many might expect, she said, but it should be viewed as an opportunity that will require action now to benefit from later.

Perlich began by discussing current trends in immigration both foreign and domestic.
The current recession threatens to create an exodus from areas of shrinking job markets to areas of growth. One aim of President Barack Obama's stimulus money is to keep people where they're at, she said.

Utah is an area of growth. Americans and internationals, legal and illegal immigrants, are continuing to come to Utah even though there are no jobs for them. Why? Because the West is viewed as a long-term growth region.
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