Over the last two months, the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19 infections across the country has exposed the necessity of proactive and inclusive policies—many of which the League has and will continue to advocate for, like increasing access to affordable childcare, improving unemployment insurance and bolstering Medicaid coverage (by halting work requirements for the Healthy Michigan Plan, for example). What the spread of COVID-19, particularly in Michigan and counties near Detroit, demonstrates is that although this virus may not inherently discriminate, its effects and outcomes certainly do because of systemic disparities driven by racist policies in healthcare, housing and other areas of public policy.
The COVID-19 crisis has also put the spotlight on those whose industries and professions do not stop, do not move seamlessly to at-home offices, and do not begin to happen over Zoom calls: that is, the “essential,” “frontline,” or “critical infrastructure” workers among us. Michigan’s essential workers (defined in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order) have created some semblances of “normal” (aka pre-COVID) life for Michiganders. Michigan’s frontline workers are putting their lives on the line for the safety of others.
The same can be said of immigrants in Michigan. Across essential occupations, large shares of workers were born outside the country yet work, live and build community here in Michigan, whether they are naturalized citizens or noncitizens (which can include lawfully present “green card” holders, nonimmigrant visa holders or undocumented people).
Now is the time we must continue to push against a narrative that scapegoats immigrants as newcomers arriving in this country to “take American jobs.” This tired rhetoric is used to divide all workers who are being hit hardest during the COVID-19 crisis, particularly those who are a part of the critical workforce ensuring that we all can continue to stay safe and healthy.
Instead, let’s refocus and take a look at immigrants’ outsized impact in this moment – particularly the jobs they already have – and appreciate how critical Michigan’s immigrant workforce is. In addition, we must move toward a narrative that values and celebrates immigrant Michiganders as people and explicitly acknowledges that U.S.-born Michiganders’ well-being is inherently linked to the success, safety and well-being of their immigrant neighbors and friends. A pandemic is as good a time as any to think critically about our shared humanity.
Data from the 2018 American Community Survey (most recent available) shows that 8% of those working in Michigan are immigrants. Yet, more granular data from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) on occupation highlights that immigrants are disproportionately represented in a number of essential occupations, meaning they make up a much larger portion than 8% of the workers within the occupation.
Among healthcare practitioners and technical occupations in Michigan:
- 30.5% of physicians are immigrants, with over 20% being naturalized citizens.
- 33% of surgeons are immigrants, with over 18% being naturalized citizens.
- 20% of pharmacists are immigrants, with over 13% being naturalized citizens.
Among agricultural occupations in Michigan:
- 30% of graders and sorters of products are immigrants, with over 25% being noncitizens.
- 25% of “other” agricultural workers are immigrants, with 21% being noncitizens.
Among production occupations in Michigan:
- 34% of food processing workers are immigrants, with 20% being noncitizens.
- 21% of butchers and other meat, poultry, and fish processing workers are immigrants, with 16% being noncitizens.
- 20% of packaging and filling machine operators and tenders are immigrants, with over 16% being noncitizens.
Essential jobs in healthcare, agriculture, and production services, among other industries, depend deeply on immigrants, and this is particularly apparent in these times. We all respect and value these workers, their services and their sacrifices right now – I know that I do, especially as someone who is lucky enough to be working from home. Unfortunately, federal legislation passed so far has left out tens of thousands of Michiganders, including essential workers, who filed their taxes using an Individual Taxation Identification Number (ITIN) as opposed to a Social Security Number—most of whom are undocumented immigrants. The restriction also extends to ITIN filers’ citizen spouses and children, meaning some immigrant families are losing out on thousands of dollars of relief during this COVID-19 crisis. Demonstrating respect and dignity for immigrant workers, neighbors and friends in Michigan cannot stop with our well-wishes; it must be reflected in policy changes.
The League has outlined inclusive policy recommendations, which include allowing all Michigan residents the right to obtain a driver’s license, so one can drive to work or the grocery store legally and without fear; expanding Medicaid access for some groups, so more immigrants can confidently seek and afford healthcare; and ensuring full language access services, so all Michiganders feel welcome and can receive needed services. It is as clear as ever that Michigan’s immigrant communities are truly essential to the well-being of all Michiganders, and it will take policy changes to ensure that everyone in Michigan can lead healthy, stable lives with equitable rights and freedoms.
Jay Cutler joined the League in March 2026 as the Kids Count Senior Data Analyst, where he collects, analyzes, and prepares data for Kids Count in Michigan.
Danielle Taylor-Basemore joined the League as the Development Data and Stewardship Coordinator in June 2025. She brings with her five years of nonprofit experience with a special focus on community engagement, data visualization and strategic programming. Prior to joining the League, Danielle served as the Business District, Safety, and Digital Manager at Jefferson East, Inc.
Scott Preston is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Michigan League for Public Policy, where he leads the organization’s immigration and criminal justice reform portfolios. In the three years prior to joining the League, Scott facilitated the Southeast Michigan Refugee Collaborative and managed a small business economic development program at Global Detroit. His work included launching Michigan’s first Refugee Film Festival and building on a trusted connector model that linked marginalized communities with crucial resources. Scott’s work at the League is informed by his background in journalism and research. He spent four years covering the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East for publications such as The Economist, and later worked with unaccompanied refugee minors through Samaritas. Scott holds a master’s degree in international migration and public policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Kate Powers joined the League as the Chief Development Officer in February 2025. Prior to joining the League, Kate held leadership positions at many Michigan nonprofit organizations, most recently serving as the COO and Chief Development Officer of Ele’s Place. Kate has spent the bulk of her career in fundraising, with a short stint in the state Legislature as a legislative aide to members in both chambers. Kate is a graduate of Michigan State University’s James Madison College with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and has a certificate in fundraising management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Additionally, Kate served on the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education and is a past President of the Junior League of Lansing. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and her son and saving outfit of the day and home decor ideas on Pinterest. 
Nicholas Hess joined the League as the Fiscal Policy Analyst in September of 2024. In this role, Nicholas focuses on tax policy, government revenue, and their impact on working families and racial equity, including the effects of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Nicholas values the role that judicious fiscal policy can play in the improvement of people’s lives and the economy, alleviating inequities along the way.
Audrey Matusz joined the League as the Visual Communications Specialist in September 2024. She supports the team with implementing social media strategies and brainstorming creative ways to talk about public policy. She brings with her nearly a decade of experience in producing digital products for evidence-based social justice initiatives. 
Jacob Kaplan 
Donald Stuckey 
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
Mikell Frey is a communications professional with a passion for using the art of storytelling to positively impact lives. She strongly believes that positive social change can be inspired by the sharing of data-driven information coupled with the unique perspectives of people from all walks of life across Michigan, especially those who have faced extraordinary barriers. 
Yona Isaacs (she/hers) is an Early Childhood Data Analyst for the Kids Count project. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, she began her career as a research coordinator in pediatric psychiatry using data to understand the impacts of brain activity and genetics on children’s behavior and mental health symptoms. This work prompted an interest in exploring social determinants of health and the role of policy in promoting equitable opportunities for all children, families, and communities. She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her Masters in Social Work focused on Social Policy and Evaluation, during which she interned with the ACLU of Michigan’s policy and legislative team and assisted local nonprofit organizations in creating data and evaluation metrics. She currently serves as a coordinator for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice on a project aiming to increase placement options and enhance cultural competency within the juvenile justice system for LGBTQIA+ youth. Yona is eager to put her data skills to work at the League in support of data-driven policies that advocate for equitable access to healthcare, education, economic security, and opportunity for 0-5 year old children. In her free time, she enjoys tackling DIY house projects and trying new outdoor activities with her dog.
Rachel Richards rejoined the League in December 2020 as the Fiscal Policy Director working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury, the tax policy analyst and Legislative Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, and a policy analyst and the Appropriations Coordinator for the Democratic Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives. She brings with her over a decade of experience in policies focused on economic opportunity, including workforce issues, tax, and state budget.
Simon Marshall-Shah joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a State Policy Fellow in August 2019. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the budget, immigration, health care and other League policy priorities. Before joining the League, he worked in Washington, D.C. at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), providing federal policy and advocacy support to nonprofit, Medicaid health plans (Safety Net Health Plans) related to the ACA Marketplaces as well as Quality & Operations.
Renell Weathers, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Community Engagement Consultant. As community engagement consultant, Renell works with organizations throughout the state in connecting the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is motivated by the belief that all children and adults deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or economic class.
Emily Jorgensen joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in July 2019. She deeply cares about the well-being of individuals and families and has a great love for Michigan. She is grateful that her position at the League enables her to combine these passions and work to help promote policies that will lead to better opportunities and security for all Michiganders.
Megan Farnsworth joined the League’s staff in December 2022 as Executive Assistant. Megan is driven by work that is personally fulfilling, and feels honored to help support the work of an organization that pushes for more robust programming and opportunities for the residents of our state. She’s excited and motivated to gain overarching knowledge of the policies and agendas that the League supports.
