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.

  • Refugees are also important to our country’s labor force and economy. A report looking at Somali, Burmese, Hmong and Bosnian refugees showed that, once in the United States, refugee men and women join the labor force at the same – and in sometimes higher – rates than U.S.-born men and women, and a significant number become business owners. Refugees also integrate themselves into their communities by learning English, buying homes and becoming U.S. citizens.

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.

-Clark Biegler

About Minnesota Budget Project

Minnesota Budget Project
The Minnesota Budget Project is a research and advocacy organization that pursues policy solutions so that all Minnesotans can thrive, regardless of who they are or where they live. Established more than 25 years ago, the Minnesota Budget Project is a nonpartisan project of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.

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