Advocacy, Immigration, and Growth: Building Smarter Policies for a Stronger Economy

Immigration Policy Advocacy

Advocacy’s Rising Influence on Immigration Policy

Advocacy isn’t just about protest—it’s about powerfully shaping public policy. When it comes to immigration, it plays a central role in balancing labor needs, economic growth, and social justice.

As a former border mayor, Commerce Director for Arizona, and now CEO of Intermestic Partners, I’ve seen the intersection of policy, people, and prosperity. Whether it’s through supporting legal access with organizations like the Carlos Slim Foundation or advancing cross-border commerce, I’ve witnessed firsthand how strategic advocacy unlocks economic potential.

Immigration = Growth, If Policies Are Smart

Immigrants fill crucial workforce gaps, contribute taxes, and drive innovation. At the same time, they send remittances back to their home countries, fueling global development.

In 2018, migrants sent home $689 billion globally—$529 billion of which flowed into developing nations, according to the World Bank.

Despite political friction, the data is clear: immigration boosts GDP, expands tax bases, and stimulates entrepreneurship.

Advocacy in Action

From the abolitionist movement to civil rights, advocacy has always been a force for structural change. Today, immigration-focused groups use:

• Public campaigns to shift sentiment

• Legal defense strategies to protect due process

• Research and data to support evidence-based policy

FWD.us, launched by tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, champions high-skilled immigration to drive innovation. Meanwhile, groups like the Migration Policy Institute provide critical research on how smart policy can match migration to economic demand.

The Economic Power of Immigrants

Second-generation immigrants consistently outperform economically, contributing heavily to innovation and long-term fiscal strength. A report from the National Academies of Sciences confirms that they’re among the most economically impactful segments of the population.

At Intermestic Partners, we’ve worked on binational economic integration projects where migrant talent has been a competitive asset—not a cost center.

Why Advocacy Is Essential

Without advocacy:

• Workforce gaps go unfilled

• Restrictive policies stifle innovation

• Economic growth slows due to underutilized talent

Organizations like New American Economy show how migrants strengthen critical industries like agriculture, healthcare, and tech—sectors where the native-born workforce alone cannot meet demand.

Yes, There Are Critics

Concerns about job displacement or wage suppression deserve attention. But most reputable economic studies show that immigration’s net effect is positive—especially when well-managed.

That’s where advocacy comes in: designing balanced, growth-minded immigration policies that protect workers, ensure fairness, and fuel long-term national prosperity.

The Road Ahead: A Call for Smarter Engagement

Immigration policy is now more crucial than ever, with global refugee crises, climate migration, and aging workforces on the rise. Advocacy will determine whether our systems adapt or break.

Groups like the National Immigration Law Center and the Migration Policy Institute are shaping the future of immigration governance—using evidence, inclusion, and vision to steer reform.

Conclusion: Advocacy for Prosperity

A smarter future demands smarter immigration policies, built on advocacy, data, and dignity. This is not just about opening doors—it’s about creating sustainable growth, resilient economies, and inclusive societies.

If you’re working to align policy with opportunity, let’s talk. At Intermestic Partners, we help turn advocacy into action—at the intersection of commerce, migration, and community.