Idea of the Day: Immigrants Play an Important Role in Our Economy

September 4, 2012

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Debates about the economic and fiscal benefits and drawbacks of immigrants typically oversimplify the role that immigrants play in our economy. When one looks more closely, they will find that the impact that immigrants (or any group for that matter) have on the economy is multifaceted and complex.

Immigrants are not just workers; they are also consumers and taxpayers. The effects of their labor and consumption on economic growth and fiscal health must be factored in as we consider how to address the situation of a large undocumented workforce.

In a new report entitled “The Consequences of Legalization Versus Mass Deportation,” author Raúl Hinojosa-Ojeda describes the direct impacts of either deporting or legalizing undocumented workers. In reality, the effects would be much larger. Mass deportation, for example, would result in an indirect negative impact on local businesses because there would be less money circulating in the local economy, which would lead to further job losses. The estimates reported in the report should thus be considered conservative rather than exhaustive.

For more on this topic, please see:

• The Consequences of Legalization Versus Mass Deportation by Raúl Hinojosa-Ojeda