Can Bringing in Immigrant Workers Revitalize Struggling Factory Towns?

In Springfield, Ohio, a campaign spread falsehoods about Haitian immigrants, claiming they engaged in dubious practices like eating pets. This situation contrasted sharply with the experiences of immigrants in Beardstown, Illinois, a community that had transformed from struggling to thriving due to its diverse immigrant population. Urban and regional planning professor Faranak Miraftab reflected on her research in Beardstown, where the narrative was one of resilience and prosperity fueled by newcomers. Her book, “Global Heartland: Displaced Labor, Transnational Lives, and Local Placemaking,” reveals how Beardstown has flourished thanks to the contributions of its immigrant workers, especially in the local hog slaughterhouse, which has historically been the backbone of the town’s economy.

The narrative took shape in the late 1980s when Beardstown faced an economic downturn due to the closure of its major pork plant and other industries. June Conner, who had just taken over a local radio station, was concerned about how these closures would affect the community. The tide turned when Cargill, a subsidiary of agricultural giant Cargill, reopened the slaughterhouse. They began actively recruiting labor, reaching out to migrant workers from Mexico who were willing to take on the difficult jobs necessary to keep the plant running. This recruitment strategy laid the groundwork for a significant demographic shift as workers from various backgrounds, including those from Central America and beyond, discovered Beardstown as a new home.

Established in the 1820s, Beardstown historically had a homogenous and predominantly white population, marked by racial segregation and instances of discrimination, such as its identification as a “sundown town.” However, as the local economy rebounded through the 1990s, the demographic landscape began to change dramatically. By the early 2000s, Beardstown’s population included a significant Latino presence and other immigrant communities from Africa, Asia, and Puerto Rico. Local residents noted that this transformation has revitalized the town, with new cultural influences reflected in the local economy, housing patterns, and community life.

Miraftab’s research extensively documents the tensions that arose during this demographic change, including racially charged events like a KKK rally in 1996. Despite these challenges, there was a prevailing sentiment among some locals that the immigrants were essential to revitalizing Beardstown. This influx of new residents not only filled job vacancies but also revitalized neglected housing and helped bring about an increase in local property values, ultimately benefiting the town economically and socially. The competitive spirit and community-building nature of immigrants led to increased entrepreneurship as newcomers established businesses that catered to their cultural needs, contributing to Beardstown’s evolving economic landscape.

As property values surged and an entrepreneurial ecosystem emerged, Beardstown’s government saw increased revenue that allowed for enhancements in public services, including schools and libraries. These developments reflect a broader trend observed across rural America, where immigration has turned around communities that had previously faced decline. Cato Institute immigration economist Alex Nowrasteh argued that immigrants are vital for economic revitalization, bolstering local economies by introducing new businesses while also boosting property tax revenues. This phenomenon underscores the transformative potential of immigrant populations, particularly in regions struggling to retain their young residents who often migrate to metropolitan areas for better opportunities.

Today, Beardstown is a vibrant community that celebrates its diversity through various cultural events like Cinco de Mayo and Africa Day, drawing visitors from outside the region. The once stalled economic growth is now characterized by a mix of flavors and traditions that reflect the melting pot that Beardstown has become. As Conner noted, the influx of immigrants over the past 30 years has not only saved the local pork plant but has also reinvented Beardstown’s identity from a place marked by racial tensions and economic decline to a thriving hub that attracts people seeking authentic cultural experiences. This transformation serves as a poignant counter-narrative to the fear-based perceptions of immigration, illustrating how diversity and inclusion can lead to revitalization and communal resilience.