Washington D.C. (March 10, 2010) – Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are a growing economic and political force in Washington State.The Immigration Policy Center has compiled research which shows that immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an important part of Washington’s economy, labor force, and tax base. Immigrants and their children are a growing economic and political force as consumers, taxpayers, and entrepreneurs.
With the nation working towards economic recovery, Latinos, Asians and immigrants will continue to play a key role in shaping the economic and political future of the Evergreen State.
Highlights from Washington include:
• Immigrants made up one-in-eight (12.3 percent) Washingtonians (or 795,179 people) in 2007.
• 41.8 percent of immigrants in 2007 (or 332,755 people) in Washington were naturalized U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote.
• Latinos accounted for 9.4 percent (608,032) and Asians 6.6 percent (or 426,916) of Washingtonians in 2007.
• The purchasing power of Asians totaled $16.6 billion and Latino buying power totaled $13.4 billion in Washington in 2009.
• If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Washington, the state could lose $14.5 billion in economic activity, $6.4 billion in gross state product, and approximately 71,197 jobs.
There is no denying the contributions immigrants, Latinos, and Asians make in Washington and the important role they will play in the state’s political and economic future.
