Ohio's economy is significantly influenced by its immigrant population, which constitutes about 4.9% of the state's total population and 6.1% of its labor force [df941ab9]. Immigrants are vital contributors across various sectors, accounting for 8% of entrepreneurs, 11.7% of STEM workers, and 5% of nurses in Ohio [df941ab9]. In 2022 alone, immigrants paid approximately $7 billion in taxes and contributed $18.6 billion to the state's economy through their spending [df941ab9].
Similarly, Kentucky's immigrant workforce has seen substantial growth, increasing from 2% in 2000 to 5% in 2025, totaling around 180,000 individuals [ba6d0534]. Immigrants in Kentucky make up 12% of construction workers, 24% of software engineers, and 16% of physicians, with 13% of small business owners being immigrants [ba6d0534]. This demographic is crucial for various sectors, particularly in construction and healthcare, where their contributions are increasingly recognized.
The immigrant demographic in Ohio is diverse, with notable populations from India (11%), Mexico (7.7%), and China (5.1%) [df941ab9]. The impact of immigrants extends beyond economic contributions; for instance, Haitian immigrants have played a crucial role in revitalizing Springfield's economy [df941ab9]. Furthermore, 34,204 college students who are immigrants contributed around $1.2 billion to Ohio's economy [df941ab9].
In both states, immigrants hold significant positions in healthcare and technology. In Ohio, they represent 26.9% of doctors and 26% of software developers [df941ab9]. Meanwhile, Kentucky's immigrant workforce is essential for maintaining a robust healthcare system, with a notable percentage of physicians coming from immigrant backgrounds [ba6d0534]. Additionally, there are 37,200 immigrant entrepreneurs in Ohio who collectively earned $944 million, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit within these communities [df941ab9].
The role of undocumented immigrants is also noteworthy in both states. In Ohio, they contributed $616.2 million in taxes, despite their precarious legal status [df941ab9]. In Kentucky, policy director Dustin Pugel warns that stricter deportation policies could harm sectors reliant on immigrant labor, particularly construction [ba6d0534]. Furthermore, Ohio's refugee population has demonstrated a remarkable 97% employment rate, further illustrating the positive impact of immigration on the labor market [df941ab9].
While the influx of immigrants can initially lead to wage suppression for native workers, studies indicate that the long-term benefits include enhanced employment opportunities and wage growth for the native population [df941ab9]. Overall, immigration is a critical factor in driving innovation and economic growth in both Ohio and Kentucky, making it an essential component of the future prosperity of these states.