Vilsack says immigrants are the key to state growth

Governor Tom Vilsack says the world is knocking on Iowa’s door, and it’stime to let those new immigrants in. For the first time in the state’shistory, there are more Iowans over the age of 75 than under the age offour. While Iowa’s population inches along, the population of neighboringstates is growing at 17 percent — and Vilsack says to compete, Iowa willhave to do a better job of welcoming new immigrants.Vilsack says if Iowa is to grow, it must welcome “new Iowans” from foreignlands.This past spring, the Iowa legislature considered creating a “Center for NewIowans” — but the concept was tied to a bill which would have designatedEnglish as the state’s official language. This summer, Vilsack begantouting the new immigrants center.Vilsack made his comments at the statewide “Diversity conference” which isunderway today in Des Moines.