The Business of Immigration
Immigration isn’t just policy; it quietly moves a lot of money through the U.S. economy.
The Big Story
Immigration plays a measurable role in how the U.S. economy runs day to day.
Immigrants make up about 18% of the U.S. workforce and contributed an estimated $579 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022.
The Two Spins
From the Left
Expands the workforce, increases tax contributions, and supports economic growth.
Contributes to long-term programs like Social Security and helps support public funding as the population ages.
From the Right
Affects wages, job competition, and demand on public services like schools, healthcare, and housing.
Shapes how local governments plan budgets and allocate resources as population levels change.
What This Means for Us
Immigration moves a lot of money through the economy, including over $500 billion a year in taxes and consumer spending.
For everyday Americans, that can influence neighborhoods, local businesses, everyday pricing, and public funding.
How They Make Money
California has the largest immigrant population in the U.S., about 10.6 million people (27%), contributing over $150 billion annually in taxes.
Immigrants in California come from Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines and work across industries including technology, agriculture, healthcare, and construction.
Takeaway
California’s population means more House seats, more votes on laws, and a larger share of federal funding.
The Number That Stuck With Me
$12 billion
Money paid into Social Security each year by workers who may never use it.