Economic Impact

Economic Impact

Immigrants are essential to the U.S. economy, filling roles from high-skilled tech sectors to agricultural labor and driving economic growth. They also contribute to the tax base and consumer spending. We champion reform that will maximize this effect and create a more diverse and competitive workforce.

New Data: U.S. Welcomes High-Skilled Workers, but Path to Permanent Residence Is Growing More Uncertain 

New Data: U.S. Welcomes High-Skilled Workers, but Path to Permanent Residence Is Growing More Uncertain 

Record Backlogs, Visa Shortages, and Increasing Scrutiny Are Straining the Employment-Based Immigration System  WASHINGTON, D.C., August 18 — The United States continues to rely on high-skilled workers from around the world to stay globally competitive in key industries including technology, engineering, and health care. However, new data… Read More

Undocumented Students in U.S. Higher Education

Undocumented Students in U.S. Higher Education

This fact sheet looks at the population of undocumented students in higher education institutions across the country. Read More

People walking across a pedestrian bridge over water with trees and the Arlington County skyline visible in the background.

Immigrants in Arlington County

New data shows immigrants in Arlington County contributed $979 million in taxes, held $2.3 billion in spending power, and supported key industries in 2024. Read More

The Biggest Changes to Student Visas in Generations: What You Need to Know

The Biggest Changes to Student Visas in Generations: What You Need to Know

On July 17, 2026, the Trump administration unveiled the latest move in its broader efforts to reshape America’s legal immigration system. This time, it was a regulation that will lead to the greatest changes in the student visa process in 50 years, as well as changes to visas for… Read More

Texas' Controversial SB 4 Immigration Law Goes into Effect at a Critical Moment for the State's Workforce

Texas’ Controversial SB 4 Immigration Law Goes into Effect at a Critical Moment for the State’s Workforce

Texas is embarking on an unprecedented experiment: using state and local law enforcement officers to conduct immigration enforcement and empowering state judges to issue removal “orders” traditionally reserved for the federal government. Nearly three years after Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) into law,… Read More

New Report Shows Immigrants in the Akron-Canton Region Contributed $5.0 billion to Region’s GDP 

Ohio, June 18, 2026 – New research from the American Immigration Council underscores the crucial role immigrants play in Ohio’s labor force, housing market, population growth, and economy. The new report was prepared in partnership with Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions, a statewide 100+ member business coalition powered by the American… Read More

What’s in the Secure America Act?

Congress passed the Secure America Act in June 2026, allocating $69.5 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through 2029 using the reconciliation process. The law dramatically expands federal immigration enforcement funding while limiting congressional oversight and bypassing the traditional appropriations process. Read More

New Report: Immigrants Power Ohio’s Workforce and Pay Billions in Taxes

New Report: Immigrants Power Ohio’s Workforce and Pay Billions in Taxes

Immigrants in Ohio earned $27.3 billion in income and paid $7.3 billion in local, state, and federal taxes in 2023 Ohio, April 9, 2026 – New research from the American Immigration Council underscores the crucial role that immigrants play in Ohio’s economy, filling jobs in critical industries, strengthening the workforce, and contributing billions in taxes each year. The new report was prepared in partnership with … Read More

Contributions of Immigrants in the San Antonio Metro Area

Contributions of Immigrants in the San Antonio Metro Area

New research from the American Immigration Council highlights the key role that immigrants are playing in the San Antonio metro area and its economy as taxpayers, consumers, entrepreneurs, international students, and more. This research brief, The Demographic and Economic Contributions of Immigrants in the San Antonio Metro Area, was prepared… Read More

New Cohort Selected for the Gateways for Growth Challenge 

New Cohort Selected for the Gateways for Growth Challenge 

WASHINGTON DC & DECATUR, GA, December 15, 2025 — The American Immigration Council (the Council) and Welcoming America, two national nonprofits, are pleased to announce that over 10 local communities have been selected to receive Gateways for Growth Challenge (G4G) awards as part… Read More

America's story is an immigrant story.

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