Undocumented Immigrants Contribute Billions to US Economy, Study Suggests

Immigrants' Economic Contributions to the US Debated: A New Look at the Numbers Recent data has sparked a renewed discussion about the economic contributions of immigrants in the United States. A video circulating on social media highlights the substantial tax revenue generated by undocumented immigrants, amounting to $30.8 billion in 2021 alone. This statistic, sourced from government data, is presented alongside other figures illustrating immigrants' significant presence in the US workforce. "Undocumented immigrants make up 3.2% of the US population, but 4% of the workforce," states the video's creator, Aldy NYC. This disparity suggests a higher-than-average employment rate among this demographic. The video also explores the potential economic consequences of decreased immigration. It claims that a 10% reduction in asylum seekers could result in an $8.9 billion loss to the US economy. While these figures are subject to debate, they undeniably highlight the significant economic role played by immigrants. The creator further emphasizes this impact by pointing to the contributions of immigrant workers in the restaurant industry, stating, "All those Mexican and Indian restaurants that you love...all of the immigrant workers that are working in the kitchen." This relatable example underscores the pervasive presence of immigrants in the US economy and daily life. The discussion surrounding these statistics is complex and multifaceted. However, the video's presentation of data provides a compelling starting point for a broader conversation about the economic realities of immigration in the United States.