The Heart of Lake Placid Beats with Immigrant Hands: A Plea for Compassionate Immigration Reform
Lake Placid, New York, is a name synonymous with winter sports glory, forever etched in the annals of history thanks to the unforgettable 1980 "Miracle on Ice." But beyond the dazzling lights of the Olympic arena, lies a deeper, quieter magic: the spirit of its people. And within that spirit, a vibrant thread is woven by the contributions of immigrants who have chosen to call this community home.
For my family, the Weibrechts, the story of Lake Placid is also a story of immigration. Since 1977, we have been the proud owners and operators of the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, a legacy deeply intertwined with the American dream. My own family’s journey began in eastern Germany, fleeing political unrest before World War I. They sought refuge and opportunity across the Atlantic, eventually establishing a new life just outside New York City. Like countless others, their journey to Lake Placid was part of a larger American narrative – a testament to resilience, the pursuit of opportunity, and the unwavering hope for a brighter future.
I have witnessed firsthand how my family has become an integral part of the very fabric of Lake Placid. The echoes of the 1980 Olympics and the "Miracle on Ice" still resonate, but the true miracle, I believe, lies in the enduring spirit of community built by generations, including those who arrived seeking a fresh start. This connection is further solidified as my son, Andrew Weibrecht, carried the torch of the American dream, representing the United States as an Olympic skier, and bringing home two medals. Now, Andrew manages our family inn, and in him, I see the same potential and promise of America that attracts immigrants, even those from Venezuela, to our community.
Over the decades, we at the Mirror Lake Inn have learned a crucial truth: immigrants are the lifeblood of our local economy and culture. They are not merely a supplementary workforce; they are essential contributors to the vibrant tapestry of our community. Today, over 20% of our staff are immigrants, many holding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) visas. These dedicated individuals have not only contributed to the success of the Mirror Lake Inn but have also become indispensable members of our Lake Placid family. They are hardworking individuals who have bravely escaped violence and hardship in search of safety, stability, and a chance to build a better life for themselves and their families.
At our inn, which dates back to the mid-1920s, immigrants are more than just employees. They are family, working tirelessly alongside us to keep our doors open, provide exceptional service to our guests, and ensure that the Mirror Lake Inn remains a welcoming haven for generations to come. They clean the rooms, prepare the meals, tend to the gardens, and greet our guests with a warmth and dedication that is truly invaluable. They invest their time, energy, and skills into our business and our community, enriching our lives in countless ways.
However, the future of these vital members of our community is now threatened. The Trump administration’s recent decision to revoke TPS for Venezuelans risks tearing their lives apart, stripping them of the stability they have worked so hard to achieve, and forcing them back into a precarious and uncertain existence. This decision could potentially drive thousands of families – many of whom have lived and worked in the United States for years – into the shadows, or worse, back into the horrific conditions of extreme poverty or persecution they sought to escape.
For Lake Placid, and indeed for rural America as a whole, this is nothing short of a crisis. We are already grappling with severe labor shortages across nearly every sector, from inns like ours to farms, hospitals, and schools. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently reported that there are approximately 8 million job openings in the U.S., but only 6.8 million unemployed workers. Immigrants and newcomers have thankfully stepped in to fill this critical void.
Instead of "taking" jobs and public resources, they are "giving" their work and energies to our communities. They are not only filling essential jobs and paying taxes, but they are also helping to build the future of our towns. They are buying homes, enrolling their children in our schools, and contributing to the overall vibrancy of our neighborhoods. They are strengthening our communities, adding to our cultural richness, and helping to drive economic growth.
Without these new arrivals, our businesses, our towns, and our communities will undoubtedly suffer. I urge our politicians to reconsider this harmful TPS revocation and restore these vital protections. But my plea extends beyond this immediate crisis. What we, as rural Americans and small business owners, truly need is for our federal government to enact comprehensive immigration policies that provide stability for these families, recognize their invaluable contributions, and offer them the dignity and safety they rightfully deserve.
I understand that this is not the prevailing sentiment in Washington, D.C., but I firmly believe that those in power need to witness firsthand the positive impact of immigrants on communities like Lake Placid. Therefore, I extend an open invitation to our elected leaders to visit Lake Placid, to meet the dedicated workers who greet our guests, prepare our meals, and keep our Mirror Lake Inn running smoothly. Hear their stories, witness their unwavering spirit, and feel their unshakeable belief in the American dream. These experiences will serve as powerful reminders of what is at stake, not just for them, but for all of us.
America’s strength has always been rooted in its diversity and its time-honored tradition of welcoming those in need. This tradition has shaped the story of the Weibrechts, my business, and my community. It is a tradition I am ready to fight for, a tradition that must guide our nation’s policies, both today and in the future. Only then can we truly live up to the ideals of opportunity, equality, and compassion that have always defined the American dream.
