Utah’s unique approach to the complex immigration issue is working. States that took a different approach—with an emphasis on enforcement—have seen the negative impact bad policy can have on a state economy.

Take a look at the three states that have passed enforcement-only immigration laws and compare their economies to Utah. While our economy grows at nearly 2.5 times the rate of the rest of the nation (3.0 percent compared to 1.3 percent), the three states that have taken the most hardline approach to immigration have much lower growth. Alabama’s economy is growing at a rate of  0.4 percent; Arizona’s rate is 1.5 percent; and Georgia has an economy that is contracting, with growth measured at -0.36 percent.

The Salt Lake Chamber has been a strong and vocal supporter of The Utah Compact, a document that lays out five principles to guide the immigration discussion. The Compact declares immigration to be a federal issue—a matter between the United States government and the governments of other countries, not between Utah and foreign countries.

The Utah Compact was the basis for the package of four bills passed last year, most notably the Utah Guest Worker Program, signed into law by Gov. Herbert. Utah law provides a way for existing residents who pass a criminal background check and meet basic health and insurance requirements to work legally in our state. This package of laws strengthens Utah’s economy. The Chamber strongly opposes any legislation that detracts from the Utah solution.

A broad group of business, community, civic and religious leaders worked to address the issue in a productive manner last year. Both the guest worker program and The Utah Compact have been applauded and emulated by several other states. Utah is a leader.

Reputation matters in business and Utah’s image was elevated by our approach to this complex issue.

Utah charted its own path on the immigration issue and we have avoided the negative impacts bad policy and our economy is much further down the road of recovery.