Immigrants Are Essential to America’s Future
Immigrants are the backbone of our communities; they power our economy, enrich our culture, and help build a stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. From Oregon to every corner of the country, the evidence is clear: immigration doesn’t just help — it is essential.
Let’s break down the facts.
Immigrants Drive the Workforce
Immigrants are working, and they’re working hard. In Oregon, immigrants comprise 10% of the population but contribute 13% of the state’s economic output. That’s over $33 billion every year.
“Immigrants are an important and growing part of Oregon’s economy,” says ICS Executive Director Frank Garcia. “But anti-immigrant policies threaten the stability of our workforce. We need flexible immigration pathways that offer permanent residency and citizenship.”
Without immigrants, industries like agriculture, construction, food production, health care, and hospitality would struggle to survive.
Immigrants Pay Their Share — and Then Some
Immigrants contribute more than $525 billion in taxes every year, including federal, state, and local levels. Even undocumented immigrants, who often have far less access to public benefits, pay more than $350 million in Oregon alone.
Imagine the potential if these individuals had full work authorization and a path to citizenship. Nationally, that would mean an additional $40.2 billion in economic contributions — and nearly $135 million more in Oregon.
Immigrants Spark Innovation
Immigrants don’t just fill jobs — they create them. They are highly entrepreneurial and launch businesses at twice the rate of U.S.-born individuals and represent 16% of all U.S. inventors, producing 23% of total innovation output.
Their contributions fuel industries, create jobs, and drive the kind of innovation that keeps the U.S. globally competitive.
Immigrants Help Care for an Aging Nation
With 1-in-6 Americans now over the age of 65, the U.S. faces a growing need for caregivers and healthcare workers. Immigrants are stepping up — especially in Oregon, where 1 in 7 frontline workers during the pandemic were immigrants.
They’re not just supporting our economy — they’re caring for our families.
Take Action: Support Immigrant Justice
At Immigration Counseling Service (ICS), we provide legal services that help immigrants gain work authorization, reunite with family, and pursue citizenship. But we can’t do it alone.
Donate today to support our statewide legal services
Share this post to raise awareness
Advocate for policies that protect and empower immigrant communities
👉 Support ICS at www.ics-law.org/donate-today
Immigrants are not a burden — they are a blessing. Let’s build a future that recognizes their value and defends their rights.