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

The Immigration Policy Center has compiled research which shows that immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an important part of Oklahoma’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 Sooner State. Highlights from Oklahoma include:

* Immigrants made up 5.0% of Oklahomans (or 182,186 people) in 2007.

* The Latino share of Oklahoma’s population is 7.2% (or 260,447 people) in 2007.

* The 2009 purchasing power of Latinos in Oklahoma totaled $5.8 billion – an increase of 708.2% since 1990. Asian buying power totaled $2.1 billion – an increase of 386.9% since 1990.

* If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Oklahoma, the state would lose $580.3 million in economic activity, $257.8 million in gross state product, and approximately 4,680 jobs.

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

KJ