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Florida Business and Civic Leaders Launch the Florida Compact on Immigration

New data from New American Economy finds that Florida’s immigrants contribute $7.8 billion in state and local taxes and hold $91.9 billion a year in spending power

MIAMI, FL – Today, business leaders gathered at Miami Dade College to announce the Florida Compact on Immigration, a set of key principles outlining the need for smart immigration policies at the state and federal levels to drive Florida’s economy forward.

Read the Compact and its full list of signatories here.

The Florida Compact on Immigration seeks to recognize and support the positive impact that immigrants bring to Florida’s economy as workers, business owners, taxpayers, and consumers. The Compact, signed by more than 70 signatories across the business, civic, and education sectors, calls for a federal immigration system that: meets the needs of Florida’s employers and labor market; offers a way for undocumented Floridians who are contributing members of their communities and economies to stay legally and work; and provides for a secure, efficient southern border. It is supported by New American Economy, the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) and the Immigration Partnership and Coalition Fund (IMPAC).

“In this era of partisanship, the Florida Compact shows that leaders across the political spectrum agree that America needs a better immigration system,” said John Feinblatt, President of New American Economy. “From health care to agriculture, broad immigration reform is critical to Florida’s economic growth.”

“Immigrants embody some of the best examples of the American Dream, and I’m proud to be part of a dynamic group of Florida leaders who will help drive the conversation forward and display the invaluable contributions of immigrants throughout our economy,” said Mike Fernandez, Chairman of MBF Healthcare Partners. “Right now, it’s extremely vital that we promote these key principles and guide a productive discussion on immigration reform to attain the economic success Florida desires.”

The Florida Compact on Immigration comes as new data from New American Economy (NAE)’s Map the Impact shows just how much immigrant contributions add to Florida’s economy. For example, according to NAE’s analysis, in 2017, immigrants in Florida paid $7.8 billion in state and local taxes and held $91.9 billion in spending power.

State Senator Anitere Flores added: “Immigration reform is a hurdle that needs to be solved at the federal level, but it affects us deeply right here in Florida. It’s up to us to educate and inform every Floridian about what reform would mean for the growth of their local communities. The Compact’s principles lay out the framework for what future solutions should look like, and I look forward to building support around the pillars that will make up a prosperous, economic future for Florida’s communities.”

“The history of our nation has witnessed the nearly immeasurable benefits of hardworking immigrants, and Florida is proud to be a key location of building an economy around that success. However, our work to attract the best and brightest to our schools and to our workforce is just beginning,” said Juan Carlos Bermudez, Mayor of Doral. “Competition and employer demand has never been higher, and we must rise to the occasion and meet the opportunities right in front of us. Our future economy depends on the very successes laid out by the principles of this Florida Compact.”

“Immigrants are often some of the first individuals to start a business and invest in their local communities. By tapping into the resources described in the Florida Compact, we can help unleash our true potential,” said Julio Fuentes, President and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “I believe our state can lead the way on a meaningful conversation that can accomplish the goals of both employees and the immigrants seeking to make a difference in the economy.”

About the Florida Compact on Immigration

Signers of the Florida Compact on Immigration are committed to promoting common-sense immigration reforms that strengthen Florida’s economy and attract talent and business our state needs to be competitive. We urge our state leaders and national delegation to adopt these six principles to guide the immigration discussion.

About New American Economy

New American Economy (NAE) is a bipartisan research and advocacy organization fighting for smart federal, state, and local immigration policies that help grow our economy and create jobs for all Americans. Visit www.newamericaneconomy.org to learn more.

About IMPAC

Established in 2017, the Immigration Partnership and Coalition Fund (IMPAC) is a 501(c)(3) that works to change public policy around immigration through building a coalition of reasonable, rational moderates to facilitate bipartisan action that is economically necessary, politically smart, and morally correct. https://impacfund.org

About ABIC

The American Business Immigration Coalition – ABIC – represents a growing and diverse set of businesses and business associations promoting common sense federal immigration reform to benefit the people and economy of our country. www.americanbic.biz

About NAE

New American Economy is a bipartisan research and advocacy organization fighting for smart federal, state, and local immigration policies that help grow our economy and create jobs for all Americans. More…