A recent national study highlights the significant economic contributions of immigrants to Ohio, revealing that they have added billions of dollars to the state’s economy over the years. Conducted by Upwardly Global and the American Immigration Council, the study found that immigrant households in Ohio paid $7 billion in taxes in 2022, including $2.4 billion in state and local taxes. Additionally, the spending power of these foreign-born households was estimated at $18.6 billion for the same year.
The study emphasizes that immigrants are bolstering key industries such as advanced manufacturing and healthcare. “They are helping create more opportunities for communities and families that have lived in the area for generations,” the report states.
This analysis comes during an election cycle where immigration has been a contentious topic. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance have used misinformation about Haitian residents in Springfield to fuel anti-immigrant sentiment.
The Upwardly Global and AIC report also examined trends in the Great Lakes region, noting increased immigrant populations in states including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, upstate New York, and Ohio. This growth has contributed to rising housing values and enabled immigrants to reinvest in their communities, further stimulating local economies.
In 2022, 4.9% of Ohio’s population was foreign-born, totaling 581,000 people compared to 11.2 million U.S.-born residents. Both immigrant and U.S.-born populations grew in Ohio, with the immigrant population increasing by 19.5% since 2010. This demographic shift has led to more investment in homes, particularly in cities like Cincinnati, where immigrants are more likely to be financially eligible to purchase distressed properties.
The influx of immigrants has been beneficial for a region historically affected by the outsourcing of industries like steel, automotive, and rubber. As new manufacturing opportunities arise, “immigrants are playing a pivotal – and growing – role in this revival,” the researchers noted. They fill hard-to-fill jobs and support economic growth in America’s former industrial heartland.
As baby boomers exit the workforce, many foreign-born professionals in healthcare—such as doctors and nurses—are stepping in to address labor shortages and assist an aging population in the Great Lakes. However, the study indicates that over 260,000 immigrants with healthcare degrees in the U.S. are currently unemployed or underemployed.
The report highlights that states like Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Ohio have thousands of immigrants whose healthcare qualifications are underutilized. Moreover, immigrants are vital in sectors that U.S.-born residents often avoid, such as farm work and meatpacking.
The study points out that when immigrant populations decline, local economies suffer. Between 2010 and 2022, Ohio saw a 12% drop in immigrant workers in agriculture. This decrease, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly impacted employers, food prices, and the agricultural economy. The state also lost 313,000 acres of farmland during this period.
In addition to economic contributions, the immigrant population has strengthened the education sector. The Great Lakes region experienced a 42% increase in foreign-born K-12 teachers amid an overall decline in workforce numbers. Furthermore, international students contributed approximately $1.2 billion to Ohio’s economy, further underscoring the importance of immigrants in various sectors.
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