Economic Impact Report: New Americans in Dallas

New research from the American Immigration Council highlights the key role that immigrants are playing in the City of Dallas’ workforce and as taxpayers, consumers, entrepreneurs, international students, and more. The new report, Economic Impact Report: New Americans in Dallas, was prepared in partnership with the City of Dallas, Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs Division (WCIA) and uses American Community Survey data to show the demographic and economic contributions that immigrants are making across the city.  

In 2022, immigrants made up 23.2 percent of the total population in Dallas and approximately one-third of households had at least one immigrant resident. Despite making up 23.2 percent of the city's total population in 2022, immigrants represented 28.4 percent of its employed labor force. In that same year, immigrants were 34.5 percent more likely to be of working age than their U.S.-born counterparts, allowing them to actively participate in the labor force and contribute to the economy as taxpayers and consumers.

The report also features profiles of community members: Juan Carlos Cerda, Maria Mosomi, and Patricia Blasquez.

Key Finding of the report include: 

• Immigrants in Dallas contributed billions in taxes and consumer spending. In 2022, immigrant households earned $10.7 billion in income, with $1.6 billion going to federal taxes and $900.6 million going to state and local taxes, leaving them with $8.2 billion in spending power that can be reinvested in local communities.

• Immigrants are helping the city meet its labor force demands. In 2022, immigrants made up 23.2 percent of the city’s population, yet accounted for 28.9 percent of the working age population and 28.4 percent of its employed labor force.  

• Immigrants are working in fast-growing industries. Immigrants comprised 26.4 percent of STEM workers, 63.2 percent of construction workers, and 39.6 percent of manufacturing workers in 2022, contributing a wide array of skills in fast-growing industries. 

• Immigrants play a significant role in the city’s entrepreneurs. Immigrants represented 38.9 percent of business owners in the city in 2022 despite making up 23.2 percent of the population. 

• Immigrants support the federal safety net. In 2022, they contributed $1.1B to Social Security and $274.5M to Medicare.

• Language diversity is flourishing in Dallas. In 2022, 41.8 percent of all Dallas residents spoke a language other than English at home. As the demand for multilingual and culturally competent workers grows in the city, immigrants can help fill those jobs. 

The full report can be viewed by clicking here.