Quick Bytes
- Immigrants in Houston generated $66.5 billion in income in 2021, contributing significantly to the local economy.
- Immigrants represent over 30% of the working-age population and are pivotal in sectors like STEM, construction, and agriculture.
- The ”New Americans in Houston” report was unveiled at an event discussing immigration’s impact on the Houston economy.
Summary of “New Americans in Houston” Report
The “New Americans in Houston” report, released by the American Immigration Council, highlights the substantial economic contributions of immigrants in the Houston metro area. In 2021, immigrant households earned a remarkable $66.5 billion in income, paying $11.1 billion in federal taxes and $5.2 billion in state and local taxes. This left them with a significant $50.2 billion in spending power, which fuels the local economy.
Immigrants are not only contributing financially but also fulfilling critical roles in the workforce. They make up 30.1 percent of the working-age population and 31.0 percent of the employed labor force. Their entrepreneurial spirit is evident, with 41.9 percent of them being business owners. They are also essential in STEM fields, agriculture, and construction, representing 35.5 percent, 44.1 percent, and 50.3 percent of workers in these sectors, respectively.
The report’s launch event, “Houston: Poised to Lead,” was a significant gathering of over 130 business leaders and officials. It featured discussions on immigration’s importance to the local economy and strategies for leading the national conversation on immigration policies. The event also emphasized the potential for naturalization among Houston’s immigrant population, with 244,557 individuals eligible to become citizens.
Several organizations, including the Texas Association of Business and the American Leadership Forum, supported the report’s release, showcasing a unified approach to understanding and enhancing the role of immigrants in Houston’s economic landscape.
