NEW AMERICANS IN THE BEAVER STATE: Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an Economic Powerhouse in Oregon

The Immigration Policy Center has compiled research which shows that immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an important part of Oregon’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 Beaver State.

Highlights from Oregon include:

* Immigrants made up 9.8% of Oregonians (or 367,551 people) in 2007.

* The Latino share of Oregon’s population was 10.6% (or 397,230 people) in 2007; the Asian share 3.6% (or 134,908).

* The 2009 purchasing power of Latinos in Oregon totaled $7.0 billion – an increase of 660.9% since 1990. Asian buying power totaled $4.7 billion – an increase of 425.0% since 1990.

* If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Oregon, the state would lose $3.4 billion in economic activity, $1.5 billion in gross state product, and approximately 19,259 jobs.

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

KJ