New research highlights the significant economic contributions of immigrants in Ohio, revealing their role in workforce sustainability and tax revenue generation.
Immigrants in Ohio earned $27.3 billion in income and paid $7.3 billion in local, state, and federal taxes in 2023, according to a new report from the American Immigration Council. This research emphasizes the vital role immigrants play in the state’s economy, filling jobs in critical industries, bolstering the workforce, and contributing billions in taxes annually.
The report was developed in collaboration with Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions, a statewide coalition of over 100 businesses advocating for immigration reform.
“Immigrants are essential to Ohio’s future, powering the state’s workforce, strengthening critical industries, and paying billions in taxes that communities depend on every day,” said Rich André, Director of State and Local Initiatives at the American Immigration Council.
Jaclyn Ringstmeier, Executive Director of the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce, added, “Ohio’s workforce shortages are placing real strain on businesses across the state, and as this new report highlights, immigrants play a vital role in driving economic growth and sustaining Ohio’s future.”
The report outlines several key findings regarding the impact of immigrants on Ohio’s economy.
First, immigrants are helping to address workforce shortages and will be essential in meeting future labor demands. Between 2019 and 2024, the number of online job postings in Ohio increased by 8.2 percent. In 2023, 75.5 percent of immigrants were active in the labor force, and they were 29.4 percent more likely to be of working age compared to their U.S.-born counterparts. This demonstrates that immigrants are already meeting the growing demand for workers and are poised to continue contributing actively to the workforce.
Second, immigrants significantly contribute to Ohio’s tax base and consumer spending. In 2023, their earnings of $27.3 billion translated into $7.3 billion in taxes, leaving $20 billion in spending power that supports local businesses and communities. This spending by immigrant households fuels economic growth and keeps local economies vibrant.
Additionally, immigrants are uniquely positioned to meet critical multilingual needs in the workforce. From 2019 to 2024, the number of online job postings requiring or prioritizing bilingual skills in Ohio surged by 39.2 percent. Many immigrants possess multilingual skills, enabling them to fill these essential positions.
However, the report also highlights that Ohio is underutilizing its immigrant talent. Many immigrants with specialized training and skills acquired abroad face barriers such as relicensing and language proficiency, preventing them from working in their fields. As a result, in 2023, 43.7 percent of immigrants with a college education were employed in jobs that did not require a college degree.
For more detailed insights on how immigrants are supporting Ohio’s workforce, tax base, and economic growth, the full factsheet is available for review.
About the American Immigration Council: The American Immigration Council works to create a more welcoming and fair immigration system. Through litigation, research, and programs that expand access to legal assistance, the Council ensures that immigrants are embraced, communities are enriched, and justice prevails for all.
About Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions: Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions (OBIS) is a coalition of over 100 Ohio businesses, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups advocating for the modernization of the immigration system to enhance the state’s economy. Launched on December 10, 2020, OBIS released the Ohio Compact on Immigration, a set of principles aimed at promoting immigration reforms that strengthen the economy, attract global talent, and foster new business growth in the Buckeye State.
This report underscores the essential contributions of immigrants to Ohio’s economy and highlights the need for policies that support their integration into the workforce.
According to the American Immigration Council.