[sonya2]

I have a different graph, showing a different trend and NY is not losing people, but Michigan is and I am not surprised. Besides, nobody is talking about granting driver's license to illigal immigrants, but just to 'legal'

[sonya2]

[SIZE=3]Actually, describing Michigan as 'regressive' may have been a bit harsh. The state with highest unemployment in USA (see below) is taking a defensive position to prevent lawful foreign nationals from taking jobs from permanent state residends and I understand that...well, actually I will go back to 'regressive'[/SIZE]

" State Unemployment (Seasonally Adjusted)

In December, Michigan continued to report the highest state unemployment
rate, 7.6 percent, followed by Mississippi at 6.8 percent, South Carolina
at 6.6 percent, and Alaska at 6.5 percent. (See tables A and 3.)"
Regional and State Employment and Unemployment Summary

[Coldjensens]

So 93.4% of the employable people are working?

Something like 3% to 45 is normal for a healthy economy. There is always some unemployment. Although the worst in the US, that is not terrible on a worldwide basis (unless you are one of the 7.6%).

The real question is how bad will it get? Will it rise to 12%? 14?
No one can guess. Eventually it will get better. Unemployed people may leave the state. Others who have jobs in different fields will move in. It will balance out sooner or later.

[downthathighway]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

So 93.4% of the employable people are working?

Something like 3% to 45 is normal for a healthy economy. There is always some unemployment. Although the worst in the US, that is not terrible on a worldwide basis (unless you are one of the 7.6%).

The real question is how bad will it get? Will it rise to 12%? 14?
No one can guess. Eventually it will get better. Unemployed people may leave the state. Others who have jobs in different fields will move in. It will balance out sooner or later.

It HAS been worse. 82 to 83 Michigan's Unemployment was over 15%. Lots of terrible memories there.
From the late 70's till mid 80's there was a mass migration from Michigan to Texas. And they were far from welcoming! By 1986 their unemployment rate approached 10%, too many Yankees. Those black and white lic plates were scorned. It was almost like Grapes Of Wrath with everyone loading all they had into the car.
Then Michigan recovered. By 2000 with lowest unemployment and low mortgage interest we all got tied back into the American Dream(without hindsight or forethought).
Here's a Chart that's easier to read. (Uh, bad memories, but reality is what it is)
Current Unemployment Rates for States and Historical Highs/Lows

[magellan]

Originally Posted by sonya2

I have a different graph, showing a different trend and NY is not losing people, but Michigan is and I am not surprised. Besides, nobody is talking about granting driver's license to illigal immigrants, but just to 'legal'

New York is only gaining people because of birth rates, not through "domestic migration" (people from the U.S. moving to New York). But I'd love to see your graph. Got a link? New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island are definitely not "destination states" for domestic migration.

And unemployment is really a meaningless stat. It's only an indicator of how many people are in the "workforce" and how many people have employment. Take a look at Louisiana. It lost 150,000 workers in the six months after Hurricane Katrina, but yet it's unemployment rate never went above double digits. They still have not regained most of those people, yet their unemployment rates is low. So if Michigan dropped to 20 eligible workers, and 19 were employed, we'd have a 5% unemployment rate. Perfect!

As downthathighway mentions, Michigan goes through boom and bust cycles just like any other state. Remember these headlines:

Site Selection Governor's Cup 2000 - Site Selection Magazine - March 2001
Detroit Dominates Top Metro Lists - Site Selection Magazine - March 2001

Unlike the silly Best Places lists that analyze subjective data, Site Selection's lists are based on business expansions of 150 or more workers. Michigan dominated that list for 4 straight years just 6 years ago. Michigan will be on top again, just in other industries.

This whole licensing issue though is kind of stupid. From what I read today, Mike Cox and Terry Lynn Land instituted this change on their own with no input from the legislature. It's now up to the legislature to fix the mess and clear up the difference between "illegals" and people who are here legitimately.

[4WD Greg]

There are so many students and professions who come from far away lands, you might think you're in Toronto or something.