Hutchinson Leader: New online tool maps economic impact of immigrants

Minnesota business leaders in mid-February showcased new research on the contributions of immigrants in Minnesota and highlighted the critical need for immigration reform.

Spearheaded by New American Economy and the Minnesota Business Immigration Coalition, the report marks the launch of Map the Impact — a campaign to highlight the power of immigrants in communities across the country.

This effort arms business, civic and cultural leaders with new data on immigrant populations in all 435 congressional districts and 50 metro areas.

“The research underscores once again that we must welcome immigrants if Minnesota’s economy is to continue to develop and grow,” said Bill Blazar, Minnesota Chamber senior vice president of public affairs and business development.

The Minnesota Chamber leads the Minnesota Business Immigration Coalition, a group of organizations that supports federal reform, including secure borders.

The coalition has recognized that as Baby Boomers retire and Minnesota’s labor force growth slows, immigrants play an increasingly critical role in Minnesota’s workforce and its overall economic growth.

The coalition supports a reform package that modifies immigration policies without creating more obstacles for workers to connect with employers.

Read the full story from the Hutchinson Leader: “New online tool maps economic impact of immigrants“