The myth that immigrant communities are a drain on public resources is a rhetorical device that ignores the fiscal reality of the Rocky Mountain West. In Wyoming, the immigrant population maintains a 72 percent labor force participation rate, significantly higher than the 63 percent rate of U.S.-born residents. These are the workers who fill essential roles in our state’s most demanding industries, from ranching to post-secondary education. Juntos Wyoming views the defense of these workers not just as a social justice issue, but as a matter of economic preservation. When the state legislature considers sanctuary bans or restrictive labor reporting, they are creating a volatile environment that discourages the very productivity that keeps Wyoming solvent. Our Policy Advocacy services work to ensure that these contributions are recognized as a form of civic investment that benefits every resident, regardless of their background.
The financial data supports a narrative of shared prosperity. Immigrants in Wyoming pay approximately $60.2 million in state and local taxes every year. These funds directly support our public infrastructure and educational systems. From a conservative economic standpoint, threatening this tax base through unjust enforcement is an act of fiscal irresponsibility. Juntos Wyoming uses its platform to bridge the gap between the grassroots struggle and the halls of power, emphasizing that human dignity and economic growth are inextricably linked. By providing Legal Clinics, we help individuals secure their status so they can continue to contribute to the $941.9 million in total annual income generated by immigrant-led households. We are not just protecting individuals; we are protecting the economic engineof our communities.
Furthermore, our commitment to Intersectionality allows us to address how economic barriers affect diverse populations differently. Whether it is a farmworker in the rural plains or a business owner in Cheyenne, the struggle for fair representation is universal. Juntos Wyoming’s Educational Workshops are designed to foster this economic empowerment by providing technology literacy and workforce training. We believe that an educated and secure community is a productive one. By shifting the focus from “charity” to capacity building, we are honoring the Warrior Spirit of those who came here to build a better life for their families. This is the essence of Solidarity: recognizing that when one part of our labor force is under attack, the stability of the entire state is compromised.
As we look toward the future, Juntos will continue to lead statewide coalitions that demand respect for all workers. The success of the #WyoSayNo campaign proved that when we organize around our shared interests—protecting our land and our people—we can defeat even the most powerful private interests. Our vision for the “Equality State” is one of mutual respect and economic inclusion. We invite every resident to join us as accomplices in this work. By protecting the rights of our neighbors, we are securing a more prosperous and stable future for every Wyomingite. The data is clear, the moral imperative is undeniable, and the Solidarity of our community is the only path toward a truly equitable state.
