parks
Opinion | Romer: We need a better immigration system
By Chris Romer Follow
cromer@visitvailvalley.com at Vail Daily
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
Eagle County often feels timeless, from the mountains to the rivers to the trails. But the truth is our community is always in motion, shaped by people who show up ready to work, raise families and build lives. And if we want to thrive in the years ahead, we must face a hard reality: Our immigrat...
Key takeaway But the truth is our community is always in motion, shaped by people who show up ready to work, raise families and build lives.
Why this matters in Aspen News
In Aspen , the reliance on immigrant workers is just as pronounced as in Eagle County, with many filling crucial roles in the hospitality and service industries that drive our local economy. The same issues with visa caps, seasonal worker programs, and permanent residency also affect our community, where immigrants make up a significant portion of the workforce. As the city grapples with its own workforce shortages and economic growth, it's clear that a modern and commonsense approach to immigration is necessary. The Aspen School District, for example, may face challenges in finding qualified teachers and staff, while local businesses struggle to fill jobs in the hospitality and healthcare sectors. By streamlining work permits and expanding permanent residency options, Aspen can better support its immigrant community and ensure the continued vitality of its economy. This is particularly important in a town where the cost of living is high and the demand for skilled workers is constant.
About this story
Original reporting by Vail Daily . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Vail Daily . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: Vail Daily ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Eagle County often feels timeless, from the mountains to the rivers to the trails. But the truth is our community is always in motion, shaped by people who show up ready to work, raise families and build lives. And if we want to thrive in the years ahead, we must face a hard reality: Our immigrat...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by Vail Daily and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chris Romer Follow
cromer@visitvailvalley.com at Vail Daily. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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