Minnesota State Representative Leigh Finke found himself at the center of a fiery controversy following a House floor speech on Monday. In the speech, the Democratic legislator, who identifies as transgender, suggested that the U.S. economy's growth and the development of new businesses are predominantly driven by immigrants rather than white Americans. This claim was part of a larger argument advocating for increased immigration to address labor shortages in Minnesota.
"We have worked so hard to become a magnet for people from foreign countries," Finke stated. "We are desperate to be a magnet for people from foreign countries." He then posed a series of rhetorical questions about solving labor shortages and boosting the economy before concluding, "Do you know who does that work? It ain't white people from the U.S. I’m sorry. Our track record on building new things in this country … it ain’t whites. It’s people from other countries."
The remarks were met with immediate criticism, with many accusing Finke of unfairly disparaging white Americans and oversimplifying the contributions of various racial groups to the nation's economic and infrastructural development. The controversy has added fuel to the ongoing national debate surrounding immigration policy and workforce development.
Proponents of open immigration policies often cite the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative contributions of immigrant communities, including those without legal status, as a vital component of economic growth. However, Finke's blunt framing of the issue in racial terms has drawn intense scrutiny.
Finke's political career has been marked by controversy. In 2023, he introduced legislation that resulted in the amendment of Minnesota's legal definition of "sexual orientation," which sparked outrage from critics who believed the change could protect pedophiles. Finke refuted such allegations, stating, "Nothing in the bill changes or weakens any crimes against children, or the state’s ability to prosecute those who break the law."
Moreover, Finke has faced accusations of aggressive behavior. State Rep. Dawn Gillman, a Republican, alleged an intimidating encounter with Finke following her social media post related to the group Gays Against Groomers. "My interaction on Wednesday evening with Rep. Finke left me shaken and fearing for my personal safety," Gillman said.
Elected in 2022, Finke has consistently been a polarizing figure, known for his outspoken politics. His latest comments have brought renewed attention to his legislative initiatives and public statements, sparking a conversation about the intersection of race, labor, and immigration in the United States.
