The Prairie State – Immigrants, Latinos and Asians are a Growing Economic and Political Force in Illinois

The Prairie State – Immigrants, Latinos and Asians are a Growing Economic and Political Force in Illinois

As the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) National Day of Action is swiftly approaching on March 25, 2010, we thought that it would be an appropriate time to provide some statistics on the Immigrant population in the United States as provided by research conducted through the Immigration Policy Center (IPC) of the American Immigration Counsel (AIC). The AILA National Day of Action is an opportunity to educate Members of Congress and their staff about the problems plaguing our immigration system so that they can be more effective in crafting, promoting and supporting legislative solutions.

The IPC has complied research on the Immigrant, Latino and Asian community for most of the states within our Nation. Every Wednesday, we will provide in our blog post, the highlights from the research conducted by the IPC.

Illinois – The Prairie State

The IPC has complied research which shows that Immigrants, Latinos and Asians are an essential part of Illinois’ 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, immigrants and their children will continue to play a key role in shaping the economic and political future of the Prairie State.

Below, please find the highlights from Illinois:
 Immigrants made up 13.8% of Illinois’ population in 2007.
 43.7% of immigrants in Illinois were naturalized U.S. Citizens in 2007 who are eligible to vote.
 Latinos accounted for 14.9% and Asians 4.3% of Illinoisans in 2007.
 The purchasing power of Latinos totaled $40.9 billion and Asian buying power totaled $22.5 billion in Illinois in 2008.
 If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Illinois, the state could lose $25.6 billion in expenditures, $11.4 billion in economic output, and approximately 119,214 jobs.

There is no denying the contributions Immigrants, Latinos and Asians make in Illinois and the important role they will play in the state’s political and economic future. For more data on their contributions to the Prairie State, view the IPC fact sheet in its entirety.

Immigration Reform will not come until we as a Nation are fully aware of the problems plaguing the current system.

The Immigration Policy Center (IPC) is the research and policy arm of the American Immigration Council. IPC’s mission is to shape a rational conversation on immigration and immigrant integration. Through its research and analysis, IPC provides policymakers, the media, and the general public with accurate information about the role of immigrants and immigration policy on U.S. society. IPC reports and materials are widely disseminated and relied upon by press and policy makers. IPC staff regularly serves as experts to leaders on Capitol Hill, opinion-makers and the media. IPC, formed in 2003 is a non-partisan organization that neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for office.