WASHINGTON, DC – In a bold move to address its pressing labor shortages, North Dakota is reaching out to major immigrant hubs like Chicago and New York for assistance. A recent report from consultants advising the newly established North Dakota Office of Legal Immigration suggests targeting foreign-born workers in these bustling urban centers to fill crucial vacancies in the state’s workforce.
The comprehensive 100-page report, published by the Department of Commerce, outlines a series of innovative strategies to tackle North Dakota’s persistent labor challenges. These include collaborating with universities to retain international students post-graduation and forging partnerships to attract highly skilled professionals, such as registered nurses holding H-1B visas, to the state.
Janna Pastir, Deputy Director for Workforce at the Department of Commerce, commended the study for its meticulous approach in guiding the objectives and strategies of the Office of Legal Immigration. She emphasized the importance of integrating newcomers into North Dakota’s workforce and communities effectively.
The report, crafted by consultants Labor and Mobility Partners alongside Dalberg Advisors, underscores the historical significance of North Dakota as a welcoming state. It highlights a notable decline in the state’s immigrant population since 1915, stressing the urgency of revitalizing immigration to meet current workforce demands.
As of September 2023, North Dakota faces a staggering labor gap, with 100 open job positions for every 30 unemployed residents. Despite boasting one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates at 1.9%, the state grapples with 26,000 unfilled positions—a 50% increase since 2018.
Senator Tim Mathern, instrumental in the legislation that established the Office of Legal Immigration, underscores the critical role foreign-born workers play in essential sectors like healthcare and elder care. He acknowledges their contributions while emphasizing the imperative of recruiting additional immigrant workers to address North Dakota’s evolving workforce needs.
North Dakota’s proactive approach in seeking assistance from immigrant-rich cities like Chicago and New York marks a significant step toward mitigating its labor shortages and ensuring sustained economic growth.
