<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1c8BCe_0zbuhS2000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1c8BCe_0zbuhS2000" width="1174" height="665" ><figcaption>A recent operation by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Bigfork led to the discovery and custody of 17 undocumented immigrants. This development has implications for the construction industry across the state. Ian Alvano NonStop Local Multimedia Journalist</figcaption></figure>BIGFORK, Mont. – A recent operation by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Bigfork led to the discovery and custody of 17 undocumented immigrants. This development has implications for the construction industry across the state.Andy Shirtliff, the Executive Director for the Montana Building Industry Association, highlighted the workforce shortage. "We've got to figure out how to fill the jobs that are needed," Shirtliff said. "We're behind 200-400 thousand construction jobs in the United States. We've got to have the people to build the homes. We're woefully behind. I believe I heard a statistic that we need 70,000 units of housing in Montana, statewide."Shirtliff mentioned the need for comprehensive immigration reform, suggesting both temporary and permanent visas as solutions for filling these essential roles.Randall Caudle, a former immigration attorney in Montana, noted the challenges faced in the state. "But they're severely limited so there's only a certain amount available each year," Caudle said. "There are a handful of construction workers that are able to get H-2B visas but in general as a construction worker you're not eligible for much immigration wise."The shortage of workers is impacting both construction and agricultural sectors, leading to unfilled jobs.Vice President JD Vance also commented on immigration's impact on housing prices. "You see a very consistent relationship between a massive increase in immigration and a massive increase in housing prices," Vance said. "I see one of our nice representatives out here wants to actually I guess continue to flood the country with illegal immigrants, making your community and citizens unaffordable."Data from the Montana Association of Realtors highlights the rising costs of housing. As of 2023, Bozeman's median home price was $786,500, followed by Kalispell at $638,000, and Missoula at $579,900. The statewide median price stood at $505,419.Shirtliff emphasized that the lack of a sufficient workforce is partly due to the influx of people moving to Montana during the pandemic, often bringing their jobs with them. To address housing affordability, he stressed the need for more workers to build homes.</div></body>

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BIGFORK, Mont. – A recent operation by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Bigfork led to the discovery and custody of 17 undocumented immigrants. This development has implications for the construction industry across the state. Andy Shirtliff, the Executive Director for the Montana Building Industry Association, highlighted the workforce shortage....

Bigfork operation uncovers 17 undocumented workers, sparking workforce debate

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BIGFORK, Mont. – A recent operation by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Bigfork led to the discovery and custody of 17 undocumented immigrants. This developmen

Bigfork operation uncovers 17 undocumented workers, sparking workforce debate

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