Immigration workers needed in South Dakota

Many large employers in South Dakota are facing a longstanding, critical issue. State Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Dave Owen says employers will need to look to immigration for workers. He says the state has a long tradition in doing just that.“All through the history of South Dakota, that workforce has come from not only out of state, but out of the country, with legal immigrants and legal refugees,” Owen said. “We see that as a cultural enhancing experience, and we support that.”Owen says there are people and groups using immigration as a fear tactic.“We specifically oppose the kind of things people want to create by highlighting crimes and cultural differences,” Owen said. “Trying to come up with simple answers, like, ‘don’t let them in.’ That’s a disservice to this country and a disservice to public discourse.”Owen says the lack of skilled workers is the number one issue he hears about from his members.