NEW AMERICANS IN THE GARDEN STATE: Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an Economic and Political Powerhouse in New Jersey

In a series of research papers showing the economic benefits of immigration in the various states, the Immigration Policy Center has compiled research that shows that immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an essential part of New Jersey’s economy and tax base. As workers, consumers, taxpayers, and entrepreneurs, immigrants and their children are an economic powerhouse. As the state works towards economic recovery, immigrants and their children will continue to play a key role in shaping the economic and political landscape of the Garden State.

Highlights from New Jersey include:

• Immigrants make up nearly 20% of New Jersey’s total population.

• More than 50% of immigrants in New Jersey have become naturalized U.S. Citizens who are eligible to vote.

• 15% of registered voters in New Jersey are New Americans.

• The purchasing power of New Jersey’s Latinos totaled $35.6 billion and Asians totaled $31.7 billion in 2008.

• If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from New Jersey, the state would lose $24.2 billion in expenditures, $10.7 billion in economic output and approximately 103,898 jobs.

There is no denying the contributions immigrants, Latinos, and Asians make and the important role they play in New Jersey’s political and economic future. For more data on their contributions to New Jersey’s economic and political future, view the IPC fact sheet in its entirety. Download New%20Americans%20in%20the%20Garden%20State%202009[1]

KJ