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The Impact of Immigration on the Dallas Economy: An Analysis of the Benefits and Challenges
The United States has a long history of being a melting pot of cultures and peoples worldwide. As such, immigration plays a significant role in shaping the country’s economy. From driving growth and innovation to filling gaps in local labor markets, immigrant workers are vital contributors to the economic prosperity of cities like Dallas.
In this guide, Andrew T. Thomas, an immigration lawyer at ATT Law, will explore the impact of immigration on the Dallas economy and shed light on both the benefits and challenges that come with it. Keep reading to learn more about how immigrants contribute to the economy and why they are essential for fostering economic growth and development.
U.S. Immigration: Why Is it Popular?
Dreamers strive for a better life: better education, better job opportunities, the ability to improve their lives, and the opportunity to pursue the American dream.
In many cases, immigration to the U.S. represents their best hope of success and a new start compared to what they would have had in their home country.
US history teaches us that a country comprised almost exclusively of prior immigrants can become one of the greatest countries in the world.
Unfortunately, the issue of immigration has become increasingly political, and many arguments have been advanced by opposing parties. One of the arguments raised is that immigrants drain state resources, negatively affecting economic growth.
This raises the question, “What is the actual impact of the benefits of immigration on the U.S. economy?” The short answer to this question is that international migration into the U.S. has a medium to long-term positive impact on economic growth, borne out by the statistics reproduced below. This position on immigration is also supported by Dallas immigration statistics in 2022.
If you are an immigrant in Dallas seeking support and guidance, consider hiring an immigration attorney in Texas to assist you with your immigration needs.
What Are The Basic Immigrant Terms to Know?
Some standard immigrant terms to understand include the following:
- “Foreign-born” and “immigrant” refer to any person who was not a U.S. citizen at birth.
- Texas immigrant means any foreign-born resident regardless of immigration or U.S. citizenship status.
- A “naturalized U.S. citizen” is a foreign citizen or national granted U.S. citizenship after fulfilling the requirements for citizenship in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- A “lawful permanent resident” or “green card” holder is an immigrant with permission to live and work permanently in the U.S.
- “US-born” and “native-born” include any person born in the United States and children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents.
- “Undocumented immigrants” or “undocumented workers” refers to foreign-born individuals residing in the U.S. without proper legal status.
- “Asylee” is a foreign national present in the U.S. or at a port of entry who is unable or unwilling to return to their home country because they face persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Is Dallas Good for Foreign-Born Population?
Texas is one of the most welcoming states for immigrants and has several initiatives aimed at settling immigrants so that they can positively contribute to society and the economy. Dallas specifically has various programs to advance economic inclusion for immigrants.
Immigrants are attracted to Texas due to the relatively low cost of living, the availability of jobs, and the high quality of life. Additionally, Texas is centrally located within the US, has vast natural resources, and is adjacent to the sea and on a national border.
Consequently, Texas has a competitive edge in transportation, energy, wholesale trade, and retail trade. Immigrants have proven that they can take advantage of these advantages to improve their lives as well as the economy.
How Many Immigrants Live in Dallas, Texas?
The New American Economy reports that there were 1,461,995 immigrant residents living in the Fort Worth Metro area in Dallas in 2019.
In Dallas, immigrants comprise 19.3% of the population and contribute $12.8 billion in taxes. They also have a $35 billion spending power.
The population of Texas is growing faster than the national average, and net immigration is always positive. Dallas is a popular destination for Hispanic immigrants.
In terms of racial diversity in the Dallas population growth, Bloomberg published in 2018 that the population breakdown data for Dallas communities were as follows:
- White — 48.3 percent
- Hispanic — 28.2 percent
- Black — 16.8 percent
- Asian — 6 percent
Historically a predominantly white city, with 82% of the population identifying as non-Hispanic white in 1930, the population has diversified due to immigration by Hispanic immigrants and Mexican Americans and white flight.
Mexican and Hispanic migrants tend to gravitate to Dallas, and their cultures are pretty robust, with some neighborhoods, such as Oak Cliff, taking on a predominantly Hispanic culture reflecting the Hispanic population. In addition, there has been a significant increase in the Black or African American population.
How Does Immigration Affect Dallas's Economy?
The immigrant population significantly contributes to Dallas’ economic growth.
In assessing immigrants’ impact on the economy and economic growth, their performance should be compared to US citizen performance and contribution to the economy. This comparison illustrates that, on the whole, immigrants perform better than the average US citizen does.
Immigrant Impact on the Labor Market
Center for Public Policy Priorities published “Immigrants Drive the Texas Economy: Economic Benefits of Immigrants to Texas” in 2014, revealing the following:
- Four out of five immigrants are of working age, compared to 3 out of five U.S. citizens.
- 67% of immigrants over 16 participate in the labor force compared to 64% of the native-born population.
- Texas foreign-born workers have a higher labor force participation than native-born workers at every education level except those with bachelor’s degrees.
These figures are borne out by the report released by the New American Economy in 2019, which shows that 84.1% of immigrants aged between 16 and 64 are of working age compared to only 61.3% of native-born Americans.
Impact Effected by Immigrant Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
The New American Economy reported that in 2019, immigrant residents were 25.4% more likely to become entrepreneurs than US citizens. Dallas has 104,341 immigrant entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth more than any other sector. They provide job opportunities to others and provide employment benefits. Thus, immigrants have an important role to play in this sector.
The Impact of Dallas Immigrants’ Tax Payments
The facts outlined above illustrate that immigrants positively contribute to the economy in many ways. Not least is the amount of taxes paid by immigrants.
In 2019, immigrant household income was $50.3 billion, out of which $12.8 billion was paid in state and federal taxes, leaving $37,5 billion of spending power. Taxes contribute to the local purse and increase Medicaid and Social Security nets. Local spending stimulates economic growth.
Immigration lawyers can aid immigrants in many ways, addressing any legal issues and helping them navigate the complex immigration system.
An immigration lawyer can assist an immigrant in understanding the various visas available and determine which is best suited for their situation. They can also help individuals find legal pathways to permanent residency or citizenship.
In case of detention or deportation proceedings, an immigration lawyer can represent an immigrant in court, increasing their chances of remaining in the U.S.
Immigration lawyers are also equipped to handle any changes in immigration laws and policies, ensuring that immigrants remain compliant with regulations and avoid any legal issues.
Overall, having an immigration lawyer on your side can significantly benefit immigrants as they navigate the challenges and complexities of starting a new life in Dallas. They can help ensure that the process is as smooth and successful as possible, allowing immigrants to take full advantage of the opportunities that Dallas has to offer.
Contact an Immigration Lawyer in Dallas Today
Whether you are applying for immigrant status, green card applications, defending against potential deportation, or applying for a visa at the Mexican Consulate in Dallas, we are here to help.
Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, is dedicated to helping people pursue their American Dream by providing dedicated and individualized legal representation.
Our skilled, empathic immigration lawyers are leaders in law and provide a full range of immigration services. Before you take any action, it’s a good idea to schedule a free consultation so we can evaluate your case and advise you accordingly.
