NEW AMERICANS IN THE OLD LINE STATE

The Immigration Policy Center has compiled research which shows that immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an important part of Maryland’s economy, labor force, and tax base. Immigrants and their children are a growing economic and political force as consumers, taxpayers, and entrepreneurs. As high-skilled workers, immigrants accounted for more than one quarter of all scientists in the state and more than one fifth of all health care practitioners. With the state working towards recovery, immigrants and their children will continue to play a key role in shaping the economic and political future of the Old Line State. Highlights from Maryland include:

• Maryland was home to 694,590 immigrants in 2007. • 45.5% of immigrants in 2007 (or 315,892 people) in Maryland were naturalized U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote.

• Latinos accounted for 6.3% (or 353,956) and Asians 4.9% (or 275,299) of Marylanders in 2007.

• The 2008 purchasing power of Latinos totaled $10.2 billion and Asian buying power totaled $12.0 billion in Maryland in 2007.

• If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Maryland, the state would lose $15.3 billion in expenditures, $6.8 billion in economic output, and approximately 73,267 jobs.

There is no denying the contributions immigrants, Latinos, and Asians make and the important role they will play in Maryland’s political and economic future.

KJ