How immigrants are fueling Minnesota's economy

Minnesota's growing immigrant population is a major force in the state's economy, according to a new report from the Minnesota Chamber Foundation.

• The report, released Tuesday morning, details the "undeniable benefit" Minnesota's 470,000-plus foreign-born residents contribute to the state.

The big picture: Immigrants tend to be younger than the general population and they enter the workforce at higher rates than native-born residents.

• They also play a key role in some of the state's most important and in-demand industries, from nursing to engineering.

By the numbers: Immigrants now make up more than 10% of the state's workforce, up from 2% in the 1980s, per the report.

• Their spending power totals $12.4 billion — more than double what it was in 2013.
• Minnesota's immigrant households paid $2 billion in state and local taxes in 2019.
• As of 2018, the state was home to 18,000 immigrant entrepreneurs, whose businesses employ 52,000 workers.

Yes, but: Our immigrant entrepreneurship levels actually lag the national data. The report argues more support and access to funding is needed to address that gap.

The bottom line: International migration has helped the state stave off negative effects of an otherwise aging population and declining birth rates.

• Read the full report.

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