23 Economic Impact of Immigration Statistics Every Employer Should Know in 2026

‍Comprehensive data from Congressional Budget Office, Economic Policy Institute, and federal labor statistics showing immigration's measurable contribution to U.S. economic growth

Immigration's Contribution to GDP and Economic Growth

1. Immigrants generated 18.0% of total U.S. economic output in 2023, equivalent to about $1.9 trillion in 2024 dollars. Despite representing only 14.3% of the population, foreign-born workers produce a disproportionate share of American GDP. This productivity premium demonstrates that immigrants aren't just filling jobs—they're creating exceptional economic value. Companies competing for global talent through O-1A visas and EB-2 NIW green cards access this high-productivity workforce directly.

2. Immigration expected between 2024 and 2034 will boost gross domestic product by $8.9 trillion cumulatively. The Congressional Budget Office projects this massive GDP increase from anticipated immigration flows over the next decade. This isn't speculative—it's based on historical productivity patterns and labor force modeling. Businesses that build immigration capabilities now position themselves to capture a share of this trillion-dollar growth opportunity.

3. Immigration surge will add $1.2 trillion in federal revenues over the 2024-2034 period. Beyond GDP growth, CBO forecasts $1.2 trillion in new tax revenues from immigration-driven economic expansion. This revenue boost helps fund infrastructure, education, and public services. The fiscal benefit extends beyond individual tax payments to broader economic multiplier effects.

4. Immigration surge will lower federal deficits by $0.9 trillion over the 2024-2034 period. By generating more tax revenue than government service costs, immigration produces a net deficit reduction approaching $1 trillion. This fiscal improvement contradicts common misconceptions about immigration costs. The data confirms immigrants as net contributors to public finances.

Impact of Immigration on the Labor Market and Employment Rates

5. Immigrants comprised 19.2% of the total U.S. labor force in 2024, up from 9.8% in 1994. The foreign-born share of American workers has nearly doubled over three decades, reflecting structural economic shifts. This isn't temporary—it represents a fundamental transformation of the U.S. workforce. Employers who build immigration expertise gain sustained competitive advantage.

6. 32.2 million immigrants were part of the U.S. labor force in 2024. This massive workforce of over 32 million people spans all industries and skill levels. The sheer scale demonstrates immigration's centrality to American labor markets. No major industry sector can function without significant immigrant participation.

7. Foreign-born workers had a labor force participation rate of 66.0% compared to 61.7% for native-born individuals in 2024. Immigrants show higher employment rates than U.S.-born workers, contributing more actively to economic output. This elevated participation reflects both necessity and ambition among immigrant populations. Companies hiring through H-1B visas access this highly motivated workforce.

8. Foreign-born population accounted for nearly three-quarters of all growth in the civilian, prime-age (25-54) labor force between 2000 and 2022. Immigrants provided three-quarters of all growth during this critical period, offsetting native-born demographic declines. Without immigration, many industries would face severe labor shortages. This dependency will only increase as Baby Boomers continue retiring.

9. Immigration raised the average U.S.-born worker's wage by 0.8% over 2000-2022. Contrary to wage suppression fears, immigration increased native wages modestly through complementary skills and economic expansion. Immigrants and native workers often fill different roles, reducing direct competition. The net effect benefits both groups.

10. Workers with a high school diploma or less education saw wage increases in the range of 2.8% to 3.2% due to immigration flows from 2000-2022. Lower-education workers experienced wage gains approaching 3%, benefiting from immigrant-driven economic growth. This finding directly contradicts claims that immigration hurts low-wage workers. The data shows broad-based wage benefits across education levels.

Immigrant Entrepreneurship and Business Creation Statistics

11. More than 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Immigrant entrepreneurship produced 40% of corporations, including household names like Google, Tesla, and Intel. These companies collectively employ millions and generate trillions in economic value. Supporting entrepreneurs and founders through proper visa pathways fuels continued innovation.

12. Almost 1 in 4 entrepreneurs in the United States are immigrants. Immigrants start businesses at significantly higher rates than their population share would predict. This entrepreneurial premium creates jobs and economic dynamism. Companies can partner with immigrant entrepreneurs through E-2 treaty investor visas.

13. Immigrants were involved in the development of 30 percent of patents in strategic industries in recent years. Foreign-born inventors contributed to 30% of patents in critical technology sectors, driving American innovation leadership. These patents translate to commercial products, competitive advantages, and economic growth. Securing STEM professionals through immigration protects innovation pipelines.

14. Undocumented immigrants held $299 billion in spending power in 2023. Even unauthorized immigrants contributed $299 billion in consumer spending, supporting businesses and jobs nationwide. This purchasing power drives demand across retail, housing, and services. Legal immigration pathways would amplify these economic benefits further.

Fiscal Contributions: Taxes Paid by Immigrants and Economic Impact

15. Undocumented immigrant households paid $89.8 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2023. Unauthorized immigrants alone contributed about $89.8 billion despite limited access to public benefits. This massive tax contribution disproves myths about immigrants draining public resources. Legal status would likely increase contributions further through higher wages.

16. Immigrant households paid nearly $16.80 in every $100 tax dollars collected by federal, state, and local governments. Immigrants provide a portion of revenues, exceeding their population share. This fiscal contribution funds schools, roads, defense, and public services for all Americans. The net fiscal impact clearly favors immigration.

17. Immigrant households held over $6.6 trillion in housing wealth in 2023. Foreign-born families accumulated $6.6 trillion in home equity, stabilizing neighborhoods and supporting property values. This wealth represents successful integration and long-term economic commitment. Housing wealth also generates property tax revenues for local governments.

18. Immigrant households paid over $167 billion in rent in the housing market in 2023. Immigrant renters contributed $167 billion annually to landlords and property markets. This rental spending supports construction jobs, property management, and real estate industries. Both homeownership and renting demonstrate immigrants' housing market integration.

Industry-Specific Labor Force Contributions

19. Immigrants accounted for 40% of employment in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations in 2024. Foreign-born workers comprise 40% of agricultural workers, ensuring America's food security. Without immigrant labor, food production would face severe disruptions and price increases. Agricultural employers depend heavily on H-2A temporary workers and permanent immigration pathways.

20. Immigrants accounted for 40% of employment in building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (2.3 million workers) in 2024. The cleaning and maintenance sector employs 2.3 million immigrants representing 40% of the occupation. These essential workers maintain commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and public spaces. The median wage of $17.95 demonstrates these aren't "low-skill" roles but essential positions requiring reliability and expertise.

21. 36% of workers in construction and extraction occupations (3.0 million workers) were immigrants in 2024. Construction relies on 3 million workers comprising over one-third of the industry workforce. These workers build homes, offices, infrastructure, and commercial developments. Without immigrant construction workers, building costs would soar and housing shortages would worsen.

22. 27% of workers in computer and mathematical science occupations were immigrants in 2024. The tech sector employs 1.6 million immigrants in computing and mathematics roles, with median wages of $47.36. These highly-skilled professionals drive American technology leadership. Companies can secure this talent through L-1 specialized knowledge visas and EB-1B outstanding researcher green cards.

23. Nearly 16% of nurses and about 28% of health aides were immigrants in 2023. Healthcare relies critically on immigrant medical professionals providing patient care. As America's population ages, immigrant healthcare workers become increasingly essential. Medical facilities using Alma's enterprise platform can efficiently manage large-scale healthcare worker immigration.

The Complexities of Immigration Policy and Economic Outcomes

Immigration policy directly shapes economic results. The data overwhelmingly demonstrates that higher immigration levels produce stronger GDP growth, increased tax revenues, and robust labor force participation. Conversely, restrictive policies impose measurable economic costs through reduced growth and labor shortages.

Current visa categories like H-1B, O-1, EB-1, and EB-2 NIW serve as economic policy tools, channeling skilled workers to sectors with critical needs. Businesses that understand these pathways gain competitive advantages in talent acquisition. The Immigration and Nationality Act establishes the legal framework, but practical implementation requires specialized expertise.

Companies using comprehensive business immigration platforms navigate this complexity efficiently, maintaining compliance while securing needed talent. The choice isn't whether to engage with immigration policy—it's whether to do so strategically or reactively.

Current Immigration Laws and Their Economic Ramifications

The current immigration system balances multiple priorities: family reunification, humanitarian protection, and economic competitiveness. Employment-based visas represent only a fraction of total immigration but deliver outsized economic impact through targeted skill matching.

Key visa categories driving economic value include:

• H-1B specialty occupation visas – Enable companies to hire foreign professionals in fields requiring specialized knowledge, with 85,000 annual cap
• O-1 extraordinary ability visas – Attract world-class talent in sciences, arts, business, athletics, and entertainment with no numerical limits
• L-1 intracompany transfers – Facilitate global talent mobility for multinational corporations expanding U.S. operations
• EB-1/EB-2/EB-3 green cards – Provide permanent residence pathways for outstanding researchers, advanced degree holders, and skilled workers

Each category serves specific economic functions. Companies typically combine multiple visa types to build comprehensive immigration strategies. Alma's legal services help both employers and foreign nationals navigate these options efficiently.

Recent policy changes continue reshaping immigration's economic impact. Businesses must monitor regulatory developments while maintaining long-term immigration capabilities. The 2-week document processing guarantee offered by firms like Alma enables rapid response to policy windows and business opportunities.