Immigrants Account for $80 Billion a Year in Economic Contribution to New Jersey

In a recent article, “Immigrants in New Jersey: A Demographic and Economic Profile for the Midterms Elections,” contributing reporter Maria Frausto of the American Immigration Council writes that “[j]ust weeks before the midterm elections in New Jersey, immigration policy has emerged as a top issue for voters.”

Frausto notes that while “the political rhetoric on immigration may overlook important nuances about the complexity of this issue, it remains critical for the public to understand the contributions immigrants make to communities in New Jersey.  The contributions are significant.”

According to Frausto, “[m]ore than 22 percent of New Jersey’s population was born in another country, while nearly 1 in 6 residents is a native-born U.S. citizen with at least one immigrant parent.  Foreign-born residents are vital to New Jersey’s workforce, with immigrants accounting for nearly half of all workers in the computer and math sciences and roughly 44 percent of production employees.”

Moreover, immigrants in New Jersey account for 27.8 percent of the state’s labor force and have paid $13.1 billion in federal taxes and $6.5 billion in state and local taxes.

With tax revenue added to the $54.6 billion that immigrants spent on New Jersey’s economy and the $3.3 billion in business revenue generated by New Jersey’s entrepreneurs, New Jersey’s immigrants contribute nearly $80 billion annually to New Jersey.

The debate on immigration truly is a top issue for voters.  And yes, all voters must make their own informed decisions.  It is crucial, however, that your decision is informed, with full consideration of the pros, the cons, and the impact of your vote – yes, your vote.

For more information about New Jersey’s Immigrant population, read the “American Immigration Council’s Factsheet” here.  To learn more about this article or any other immigration matters, feel free to contact me at rglahoud@norris-law.com.

*Figure 1 – American Immigration Council, Immigrants in New Jersey, 2017