Business Leaders Say Immigration Can Stem New England’s Workforce Shortage

SIGCO worked Antonio Pedro came to the United States from Angola three years ago. Photo by Ryan Caron King for NENC

It’s hard to avoid the hand-wringing about aging demographics in New England these days. The region’s six states have the six lowest birth rates in the country. Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont have the oldest populations in the country, and Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts aren’t far behind.

These demographics leave the region desperate for young workers who can power businesses, pay taxes, and won’t dip into social security for decades.

Visit NHPR for the full story.  This report is part one of a four-part New England News Collaborative series called “Facing Change.”