Research shows that immigration brings numerous benefits to the U.S., strengthening our economy and increasing American prosperity.
It’s clear: immigration is an essential driver of economic growth and social prosperity in the United States. Immigrants play a pivotal role in nearly every sector of the economy, contributing to job creation, rising wages, lower inflation, and increased productivity. From healthcare to tech, agriculture to construction, immigrants are vital to maintaining the vibrancy and dynamism of the American economy.
Let’s break down four major ways immigration benefits the U.S., and why businesses and policymakers need to embrace this invaluable resource. Watch video now
1. A Bigger Economy, More Government Revenue, and Greater Prosperity
Immigration plays a crucial role in growing the U.S. economy. The simple equation is this: more people mean more consumers buying goods and services, which increases the country’s GDP. Immigrants contribute a significant portion of the economy, accounting for 17% of U.S. GDP, or roughly $3.3 trillion annually. This surge in economic activity has a multiplier effect, creating more jobs, new businesses, and a higher standard of living for all Americans.
In addition to economic growth, immigrants contribute substantially to public finances. They pay nearly $525 billion in taxes every year, including significant contributions from undocumented workers, who pay about $50 billion annually despite not having access to most government benefits. These contributions help fund crucial services, including Social Security and infrastructure, benefiting all U.S. citizens.
Recent reports from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) show that immigration will contribute $7 trillion to GDP and $1 trillion in additional government revenue over the next decade. In contrast, restricting immigration could shrink the economy, cost jobs, and undermine U.S. global competitiveness.
2. Filling Workforce Gaps and Reducing Inflation
As the labor force in the U.S. continues to age, immigration has become increasingly essential to keeping the economy functioning smoothly. In 2022, immigrants made up 18.1% of the total U.S. workforce, and this share continues to rise. Their contributions help fill critical gaps in industries like healthcare, technology, and agriculture.
For example, more than 18% of healthcare workers are immigrants, including 26% of physicians and 16% of registered nurses. Immigrants also play a vital role in STEM fields, comprising nearly 20% of workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and receiving about 40% of advanced STEM degrees at U.S. universities.
Immigration helps reduce inflation by filling labor gaps that otherwise push up consumer prices. As recent trends have shown, increased immigration has helped stabilize inflationary pressures, keeping costs down for American families.
3. Creating Jobs, Boosting Innovation, and Increasing Productivity
Immigrants are highly entrepreneurial, launching new businesses at double the rate of U.S.-born individuals. Immigrants founded 45% of Fortune 500 companies in 2023 and 55% of U.S. startups valued at $1 billion or more. This entrepreneurial spirit leads to job creation and boosts overall productivity in the economy.
Additionally, immigrants are responsible for nearly a quarter of the total innovation output in the U.S., despite only making up 16% of the population of inventors. Their contributions to technological advancements, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and semiconductors, are vital to ensuring America remains at the forefront of global innovation.
Restricting immigration, by contrast, would lead to fewer new businesses, lower productivity, and potentially the offshoring of jobs and innovation to other countries. Immigrants drive progress in ways that benefit U.S. businesses and consumers alike.
4. Reversing Demographic Decline and Supporting Rural Communities
The U.S. is facing the challenges of a slowing population growth rate and an aging population. Fewer children are being born, and a significant portion of the population is nearing retirement. Immigration helps counter these trends by increasing the size of the working-age population and contributing to family formation, which is essential for future population growth.
In particular, rural communities have felt the impact of population decline. FWD.us research shows that 77% of rural U.S. counties have seen a decrease in the working-age population over the past two decades, threatening their economies and access to essential services. However, just 200 new immigrants each year in these countries could reverse this trend and restore economic vitality by 2040.
Immigration and the Future of U.S. Business: The EB-3 Visa
For U.S. businesses seeking long-term solutions to workforce challenges, the EB-3 visa offers a reliable path for obtaining immigrant workers. This visa category is designed to help U.S. employers recruit individuals for permanent positions, ensuring businesses have access to the labor force they need to thrive.
At Winbi LLC, we specialize in providing businesses with qualified EB-3 workers, handling the entire recruitment process and managing the necessary paperwork. Whether your company is in healthcare, construction, or emerging technologies, the EB-3 visa can be an effective and sustainable solution for securing the workforce of the future.
Conclusion: Immigration is Vital for America’s Prosperity
Immigration has a long-standing positive impact on the U.S. economy, from creating jobs and boosting innovation to filling critical labor gaps and strengthening government revenue. As businesses seek to stay competitive in an ever-evolving global marketplace, embracing immigration is not only the right choice—it’s the smart one.
By welcoming immigrants, we ensure continued economic growth, more vibrant communities, and a stronger, more prosperous future for all Americans. For U.S. businesses looking to grow, the EB-3 visa offers a strategic way to meet workforce demands, ensuring long-term success for your company and contributing to America’s continued leadership in the global economy.
