The Economic Contributions of Immigrant Communities in the US

Amira Maurice, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Sophomore, Summer 2025

The recent political climate has sparked debates about immigrant communities residing in the US. Coming from two immigrant families, one from Haiti and one from Mexico, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices many immigrant families have made. Understanding their sacrifices, work ethic, and perseverance has given me a personal perspective on the ways immigrants contribute to the country’s economy. As the next generation of Americans grows into having voting power and economic autonomy it’s essential that we examine and understand all the facts. 

Immigrants often come to the US in search of a promising future, seeking economic opportunity through hard work, education, and community. Many take it upon themselves to start businesses. Around 25% of businesses in the US are immigrant-founded and owned (American Immigration Council, 2025). These businesses stimulate the economy and create jobs in local communities. Brasen Asiedu, a University of Illinois computer science major, shared insight on her Ghanaian father’s successful accounting business: “I saw how my father was able to mentor others, hire people from our area, and give back. Growing up around that allowed me to see that business can be a tool for building generational wealth and empowering others.” Her family’s story reflects the broader positive economic impact of immigrant-owned businesses.

Beyond entrepreneurship, immigrant workers are an essential part of the US’s economic functions. Immigrants make up about 15% of nurses, 28% of healthcare aides, 54.3% of agriculture graders and sorters, and over 25% of construction workers (Appleby, 2024). Without the skilled labor that millions of immigrants provide, the productivity of many industries would dwindle significantly. Silvia Soler, a Community Outreach Specialist at World Relief which is an organization dedicated to helping people from all over the world, shared her first hand experiences working with immigrants:“Newcomers here, they want to learn. They want to not only learn professionally they want to learn about the system. And they are ready to grow.”

Immigrants are the engine that has kept our country running for centuries. Today’s diverse pool of immigrants from all over the world contribute in limitless ways, ensuring the well being of all. We must advocate for immigrants and provide pathways to citizenship to ensure the economic stability and longevity of this country’s global connections.

Works Cited

Appleby, Kevin. “The Importance of Immigrant Labor to the US Economy.” The Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS), The Center for Migration Studies, 2 Sept. 2024, cmsny.org/importance-of-immigrant-labor-to-us-economy/. 

“New Data: Immigrants Keep Economy Strong, As Congress Considers Wasting Billions on Mass Deportation.” American Immigration Council, American Immigration Council, 17 Mar. 2025, www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/press-release/immigrants-keep-economy-strong-as-congress-debates-mass-deportation/. 

Interviewees

Silvia Soler - World Relief, Community Outreach Specialist

Brasen Asiedu - University of Illinois, Computer Science