KERA News: How Immigrants Benefit The Local Economy

The top local stories this morning from KERA News: A new report from the group New American Economy looked at the economic contributions of immigrants in the city of Dallas.

This comes as the U.S. Supreme Court this week declined to take up the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program, which shields thousands of undocumented young immigrants from deportation.

The report found more than 93 percent of the DACA-eligible population in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area are employed. They contribute $161 million in taxes and hold nearly $700 million in spending power.

The report also found immigrants in Dallas represented almost one-third of entrepreneurs in 2016, generating $495 million in business income.

New American Economy is a group of mayors and business leaders of all political stripes who support immigration reforms that result in job creation.

Listen to the full report from KERA News: “How Immigrants Benefit The Local Economy”