New research reveals that immigrants in Ohio earned $27.3 billion and contributed $7.3 billion in taxes in 2023, highlighting their vital role in the state’s economy.
Ohio, April 9, 2026 – A new report from the American Immigration Council emphasizes the significant impact immigrants have on Ohio’s economy, showcasing their contributions in filling essential jobs, bolstering the workforce, and generating billions in tax revenue each year. This report was developed in collaboration with Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions, a statewide coalition of over 100 businesses dedicated to 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,” stated 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 contributions of immigrants to Ohio’s economy:
Immigrants are playing a crucial role in addressing workforce shortages in Ohio. Between 2019 and 2024, the number of online job postings in the state increased by 8.2 percent. In 2023, 75.5 percent of immigrants were active participants in the labor force. Furthermore, immigrants were found to be 29.4 percent more likely to be of working age compared to their U.S.-born counterparts, indicating their significant role in meeting the growing demand for workers.
In terms of economic contributions, immigrants in Ohio earned $27.3 billion in income and paid $7.3 billion in taxes in 2023. This left them with approximately $20 billion in spending power, which supports local businesses and communities. The consumer spending by immigrant households is vital for stimulating growth and maintaining vibrant local economies.
Additionally, immigrants are uniquely equipped to meet the increasing demand for multilingual skills in the workforce. From 2019 to 2024, the number of job postings in Ohio that required or prioritized bilingual skills surged by 39.2 percent. Immigrants often possess these multilingual capabilities, making them valuable assets in filling these positions.
However, the report also highlights that Ohio is not fully utilizing its immigrant talent. Many immigrants with specialized training and skills acquired abroad face barriers such as relicensing and language proficiency issues, preventing them from working in their respective 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 information on how immigrants are bolstering Ohio’s workforce, tax base, and overall economic growth, readers can access the full factsheet.
About the American Immigration Council: The American Immigration Council is dedicated to creating a more welcoming and equitable immigration system. Through litigation, research, and initiatives that enhance access to legal assistance, the Council strives to ensure that immigrants are embraced, communities thrive, and justice prevails for all.
About Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions: Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions (OBIS) is a coalition of over 100 businesses, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations advocating for the modernization of the immigration system to foster economic growth in the state. Launched on December 10, 2020, OBIS introduced the Ohio Compact on Immigration, a set of principles aimed at promoting immigration reforms that will strengthen the economy, attract global talent, and encourage new business development in Ohio.
According to the American Immigration Council.