Immigrants and refugees vital to the economy and our communities

February 2, 2017

President Donald Trump announced three executive orders last week that dramatically change federal policy related to immigrants and refugees in the United States. More are expected in the near future. In light of these changes, we offer a compilation of some of the research on the important economic contributions made by immigrants and refugees.

Immigrants and refugees come to the United States seeking a better life and opportunity for themselves and their children, and we benefit from the contributions of immigrants and refugees in many ways. Here in Minnesota, with a tightening labor market and a projected labor shortage on the horizon, Minnesota’s future economic growth depends on adding more people to our workforce. We will increasingly rely on immigrants and refugees to fill those vital roles as employees, business owners and entrepreneurs. Our federal and state policies should reflect and support the positive contributions made by immigrants now and for a strong economic future.

By Clark Biegler

About Clark Goldenrod

Clark Goldenrod
Deputy Director (former),
Minnesota Budget Project

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