Home > Our Blog > Immigration Is O.K. for Oklahoma’s Economy

Blog Post

Immigration Is O.K. for Oklahoma’s Economy

Posted May 10, 2010 by Ted Hesson
Categories: National

Oklahoma’s economy benefits from the contributions of immigrants, Latinos, and Asians, according to recently released research from the Immigration Policy Center.

As consumers, taxpayers, and entrepreneurs, these groups represent a vital segment of the Sooner State’s economy.

One of the most telling statistics from the fact sheet on Oklahoma:

* If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Oklahoma, the state would lose $580.3 million in economic activity, $257.8 million in gross state product, and approximately 4,680 jobs.

Read the press release below, or click here for the complete fact sheet.
—-

For Immediate Release

NEW AMERICANS IN THE SOONER STATE
Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an Economic Powerhouse in Oklahoma

May 7, 2010

Washington D.C. -The Immigration Policy Center has compiled research which shows that immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an important part of Oklahoma’s economy, labor force, and tax base. Immigrants and their children are a growing economic and political force as consumers, taxpayers, and entrepreneurs. With the nation working towards economic recovery, Latinos, Asians and immigrants will continue to play a key role in shaping the economic and political future in the Sooner State.

Highlights from Oklahoma include:

* Immigrants made up 5.0% of Oklahomans (or 182,186 people) in 2007.

* The Latino share of Oklahoma’s population is 7.2% (or 260,447 people) in 2007.

* The 2009 purchasing power of Latinos in Oklahoma totaled $5.8 billion - an increase of 708.2% since 1990. Asian buying power totaled $2.1 billion - an increase of 386.9% since 1990.

* If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Oklahoma, the state would lose $580.3 million in economic activity, $257.8 million in gross state product, and approximately 4,680 jobs.

There is no denying the contributions immigrants, Latinos, and Asians make in Oklahoma and the important role they will play in the states’ political and economic futures. For more data on their contributions to the Sooner State, view the IPC fact sheet in its entirety:

* New Americans in the Sooner State (Oklahoma)

Tags : immigration policy center, oklahoma, statistics

Permalink Comments