NEW AMERICANS IN THE BLUEGRASS AND MOUNTAIN STATES
NEW AMERICANS IN THE BLUEGRASS AND MOUNTAIN STATES
Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are a Growing Economic Force
in Kentucky and West Virginia
July 2, 2010
Washington D.C. - The Immigration Policy Center has compiled research which shows that immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are important contributors to the economy, labor force, and tax base in both Kentucky and West Virginia. Immigrants and their children in particular are a growing economic 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 of the Bluegrass and Mountain States.
Highlights from Kentucky include:
Immigrants made up 2.8% of Kentucky's population (or 119,503 people) in 2008.
The purchasing power of Latinos totaled $2.1 billion and Asian buying power totaled nearly $1.8 billion in Kentucky in 2009.
If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Kentucky, the state could lose $1.7 billion in economic activity and $756.8 million in gross state product.
Highlights from West Virginia include:
Immigrants made up 1.3% of West Virginia's population (or 23,273 people) in 2008.
The purchasing power of Latinos totaled $549.6 million and Asian buying power totaled $567.7 million in West Virginia in 2009.
If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from West Virginia, the state could lose $26.6 million in economic activity and $11.8 million in gross state product.
There is no denying the contributions immigrants, Latinos, and Asians make in Kentucky and West Virginia and the important role they will play in the states' economic futures.