As our population grows, demands for resources increase. America’s environmental priorities can’t be reconciled with the new infrastructure and resource consumption that continued population growth will require. Resources like water and energy are straining under the constantly increasing demand.

We are paving over farmland at alarming rates. The U.S. loses three acres of farmland and open space every minute to meet the needs of an expanding population.

In the last decade, school enrollments have increased by 16 percent, an increase that the U.S. Census Bureau attributes largely to the immigration influx. Department of Education officials say that by 2100, the nation’s schools will have to find room for 94 million students — nearly double the current number.

Today, U.S. population stands at 293 million. The Census Bureau projects that if current immigration levels continue, our population will increase to 420 million by 2050. That’s 127 million additional people needing schools, jobs and housing, as well as water and other precious natural resources.

If, on the other hand, we reduce immigration to a replacement level-zero net increase, the Census Bureau projects that our population in 2050 is likely to be 328 million and the growth rate will be leveling off. That’s 92 million fewer people than in the first scenario.

Call and tell your congressman to cut the numbers of immigrants to around 200,000 per year.

 

Mike Gordon

Albert Lea