Three weeks ago, I stood at the San Diego-Tijuana border with a dozen national security experts from the Truman National Security Project. We met with Chamber of Commerce leaders, business owners and government officials, discussing cross-border economic ties and migration. The trip brought back memories of my time as head of disaster and crisis for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 2019. The same stories of human resilience I witnessed in the Darién Gap are echoed at the U.S.-Mexico border today.

The U.S. immigration debate is often emotionally charged, but it’s crucial to refocus on an undeniable fact: immigration is essential to the U.S. economy. In 2023, immigrants helped drive job growth and productivity, addressing labor shortages that hampered post-pandemic recovery. According to the Congressional Budget Office, immigration will increase the U.S. labor force by 5.2 million people by 2033, boosting GDP by $8.9 trillion and raising federal tax revenues by $1.2 trillion over the next decade. This surge in economic activity will also reduce net deficits by $900 billion. Contrary to xenophobic narratives, immigration fuels growth rather than burdens the economy.

Locally, the economic relationship between San Diego and Tijuana is a prime example of how migration can benefit both sides. Cross-border trade between these two cities contributes more than $230 billion annually, supporting industries from manufacturing to services and creating jobs in the process. Migration is a driving force behind this economic interdependence, and its benefits extend far beyond just one region.

Unfortunately, fear and misinformation continue to overshadow the positive economic contributions of immigrants. Concerns about drug trafficking and criminal activity persist, despite evidence that undocumented immigrants are far less likely to commit violent crimes than U.S.-born citizens. The true threats to public safety stem from domestic issues, such as mass shootings, not from migrants.

During our visit, one moment stood out: meeting an Afghan family who had supported U.S. military efforts during the war against the Taliban. Forced to flee after the U.S. withdrawal, they embarked on a dangerous journey through Latin America, seeking safety in the United States. Their story reminds us that immigration is often a matter of survival, not choice. These individuals are not criminals; they are heroes who deserve our protection and support.

The humanitarian and economic imperatives of immigration are intertwined. As the U.S. faces labor shortages in key industries, immigration offers a solution to boost productivity, create jobs and stimulate economic growth. By welcoming immigrants, particularly those fleeing violence and persecution, we not only fulfill our moral obligations but also strengthen our economy.

In Maine, where the labor force is aging and shrinking, immigration is vital. Immigrants can help fill gaps in industries like agriculture, health care and manufacturing, all of which are critical to the state’s economy. The economic benefits of immigration are clear. What’s needed now is a shift in narrative that recognizes the value immigrants bring to both local communities and the nation.

It’s time to move beyond the polarizing debates and acknowledge that immigration is not just a moral issue, but an economic one. Migration has always been central to the American story, and we are stronger because of it.