18 NOV 2021
FACT SHEET: IMMIGRANTS WILL ADD $17 BILLION TO ECONOMY THROUGH IMMIGRATION REFORM IN THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Research shows Build Back Better’s immigration plan would strengthen the U.S. economic recovery, address worker shortages and make the U.S. more competitive.
WASHINGTON, DC - Recent data analyzing the impact of immigration reforms in the Build Back Better Act show immense economic benefits for the United States. Lasting protections, as included in the legislation, for nearly 7.1 million Dreamers and undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States for over 10 years would contribute to the economy, raise tax revenue, help relieve the current worker shortage, raise wages for all Americans, and strengthen the nation’s competitiveness.
Among the measures in the Build Back Better Act (BBB), the immigration permit program would authorize Dreamers, farm workers, TPS holders and other undocumented immigrants, who have been in the country for over 10 years, to stay and work lawfully without the fear of deportation. The New American Economy estimates that undocumented immigrants already contribute $30.6 billion in taxes and $214.8 billion in spending power through their small businesses. By finally passing immigration reform through the BBB, Congress would not only help rebuild the country’s immigration system, but also bolster American businesses, local economies and workers’ wages while transforming the lives of millions of mixed-status families across the country.
The immigration permit program in the Build Back Better Act will:
1. Strengthen the U.S. economy
As the U.S. recovers, a new analysis from FWD.us shows that the Build Back Better’s immigration permit program will strengthen our recovery, resulting in a $17 billion annual expansion to the American economy, and a $10 billion annual increase to total taxes.
An analysis from New American Economy on the impact of immigrants on economic recovery additionally showed that "metro areas with more immigrants were able to recover faster than those with fewer immigrants."
2. Help address the ongoing labor shortage and improve U.S. competitiveness
Human capital and human infrastructure are critical to maintaining our competitive edge and growing our economy for all Americans. The United States is facing an unprecedented worker shortage, exacerbated by the consequences of COVID-19. In response, undocumented immigrants have disproportionately taken on essential frontline roles, including in healthcare and agriculture. Expanding legal pathways to immigration offers a critical solution to bring these workers formally into the U.S. economy, strengthening the American workforce.
Vox reported that “the US needs roughly 10 million people, including low-wage and high-skilled workers, to fill job openings nationwide — and only 8.4 million Americans are actively seeking work.”
New American Economy data show that many of the industries that have the biggest shortages also typically employ high percentages of immigrant workers.
3. Strengthen the rights of all workers in America
Work permits and protection from deportation for undocumented workers levels the playing field for all workers in America. Ensuring that all working people have rights on the job and are able to exercise them without fear of deportation, retaliation or exploitation strengthens the entire workforce. By delivering lasting protections to undocumented workers, America will empower all workers, helping lift labor standards and prevent unscrupulous employers from suppressing wages or compromising the safety of their workers.
The Build Back Better Act’s immigration provisions are in the best interest of the United States by strengthening our economy, raising tax revenue, and meeting our current labor shortage.
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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.