The impact of immigration on the economy continues to be a topic of discussion, with a recent report shedding light on the positive contributions of immigrants in Michigan. According to a report by the American Immigration Council, immigrants added $67.8 billion or 9.9% to Michigan's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022. Immigrants in Michigan make up nearly 9% of the state's total spending power, contributing $23.1 billion to the economy in 2022. They represent 8.4% of the employed labor force and are 24% more likely to be of working age compared to U.S.-born citizens. The report also highlights the significant presence of immigrants in Michigan's STEM workforce, with over 18% of STEM workers being immigrants. Immigrants in Michigan are over 35% more likely to become entrepreneurs than U.S.-born citizens [d0360487] [a8514eca].
The findings emphasize the value and importance of immigration in Michigan's economic development and population growth. Business leaders are urged to hire more immigrants to meet workforce needs. Asma Easa, Senior Policy Manager with the American Immigration Council, commended Michigan for enacting policies that attract immigrants. These policies have helped the state harness the economic potential of immigrants and leverage their contributions to the overall prosperity of Michigan [a8514eca].
This report provides a counterpoint to the previous studies that have highlighted the challenges and costs associated with immigration. It emphasizes the positive impact that immigrants can have on the economy, particularly when they are welcomed and supported by appropriate policies and initiatives. The findings of this report add nuance to the ongoing debate surrounding immigration and its economic implications [d0360487].
In a broader context, immigrants are also playing a crucial role in filling labor shortages in the United States. According to a report by Immigration Impact, immigrants are key to filling labor shortages in various sectors. Almost one in every seven people in the United States is an immigrant. In 2022 alone, immigrant households paid $579.1 billion in total taxes. Immigrants play a vital role in filling healthcare workforce gaps, with 15.6% of all nurses and 27.7% of all health aides being immigrants. Immigrant workers are crucial in the agricultural workforce, with 54.3% of graders and sorters of agricultural products and 25.3% of workers in the agriculture industry overall being immigrants. Immigrants also play a key role in the construction industry, with one in four workers being immigrants. Immigrants start and run businesses at higher rates than their U.S.-born counterparts, making up more than one in five entrepreneurs in the United States. Undocumented immigrants contribute to the country, with undocumented households paying $35.1 billion in taxes in 2022. Over half of all immigrants in the United States are naturalized citizens. Immigrants of all skill levels are vital to the U.S. economy and country [7f52f8c5].