Upwardly Global’s latest report, “Building Community and Fueling Growth Report,” showcases the impact of immigrants in revitalizing the Great Lakes region.
Immigrants are driving economic revival in key states across the Great Lakes, an area that was once the symbol of America’s industrial might. Factories are adding jobs, local businesses are thriving, and communities once in decline are being rejuvenated by immigrant families. Immigrants fill critical labor shortages in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture, while also contributing to the growing small business sector, adding growth to local economies.
“Building Community and Fueling Growth: The Role of Immigrants in Reviving the Great Lakes Region” was written in partnership with the American Immigration Council (AIC) and is an in-depth analysis of the many ways immigrant talent and resilience are essential for regional recovery, long-term economic growth, and thriving communities across the Great Lakes region.
“Immigrants and refugees have put down roots in the Great Lakes region, bringing workforce diversity, stimulating the economy, and paying taxes. But more than that, they are homeowners, K-12 teachers, local government staff, and creators of small businesses. They make this region stronger and hold decision-making power at the ballot box.”
— Jina Krause-Vilmar, President and CEO of Upwardly Global.
Read Building Community and Fueling Growth: The Role of Immigrants in Reviving the Great Lakes Region to explore how immigrants are revitalizing the area. The report highlights their impact on economic growth, key industries like healthcare and manufacturing, and thriving communities, offering insights into their role in population growth and local economies.
Key findings from the report:
Population Growth: From 2010 to 2022, immigrants accounted for 78.5% of the region’s population growth.
Workforce Contributions: Immigrants are 27.8% of physicians, 20.6% of surgeons, and 16.4% of the STEM workforce.
Entrepreneurship Boom: The number of self-employed immigrants grew by 45.8%, fueling local economies.
Economic Contributions: In 2022 alone, immigrant households in the region generated nearly $236.5 billion in income and paid $23.9 billion in state and local taxes, funding essential public services like schools, hospitals, and police forces.
Electoral Influence: More than 2.6 million immigrants were eligible voters in 2022, which has the potential to sway elections in pivotal swing states.