NEW AMERICANS IN THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT: Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an Economic Powerhouse in New Mexico

The Immigration Policy Center has compiled research which shows that immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an important part of New Mexico’s economy, labor force, and tax base. Immigrants and their children are a growing economic and political 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 in the Land of Enchantment.

Highlights from New Mexico include:

• Immigrants made up 9.3% of New Mexicans (or 182,936 people) in 2007.

• The Latino share of New Mexico’s population is 44.4% (or 874,642 people) in 2007.

• The 2009 purchasing power of Latinos in New Mexico totaled $17.9 billion – an increase of 260.5% since 1990. Asian buying power totaled $1.1 billion – an increase of 492.3% since 1990.

• If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from New Mexico, the state would lose $1.8 billion in economic activity, $809.1 million in gross state product, and approximately 12,239 jobs.

There is no denying the contributions immigrants, Latinos, and Asians make in New Mexico and the important role they will play in the states’ political and economic futures.

KJ