Published: September 6, 2008

Steven A. Camarota of the Center for Immigration Studies argues for less immigration despite the fact that the graying of our workforce will cause severe labor shortages ["How Many Americans?" op-ed, Sept. 2].

This is not just a flawed policy prescription; it also turns a blind eye to the contributions immigrants make to our economy. Immigrants generate some $700 billion in economic activity, mostly by doing low-wage service jobs. Immigrants -- those here legally and otherwise -- pay taxes that go to schools, infrastructure and public programs such as Medicare and Social Security.

The ratio of retirees to working-age citizens is forecast to increase by 67 percent in the next 20 years. With retirement draining our labor supply, immigrants not only help keep our economy strong, they also are indispensable to keeping our economy running in the long term.

MICHAEL FISHMAN
President, Local 32BJ
Service Employees International Union
New York