New research highlights the significant contributions of immigrants to Ohio’s economy, revealing their vital role in workforce development and tax revenue generation.
Immigrants in Ohio earned an impressive $27.3 billion in income and contributed $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 essential role that immigrants play in the state’s economy, filling critical jobs, bolstering the workforce, and generating substantial tax revenue.
The report was developed in collaboration with Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions, a statewide coalition of over 100 businesses advocating for immigration reform to support economic growth.
“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 labor market and economy.
Firstly, immigrants are helping to address workforce shortages in Ohio. From 2019 to 2024, the number of online job postings in the state 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 not only meeting the current demand for workers but are also positioned to continue contributing actively to the workforce.
Secondly, immigrants significantly contribute to the state’s tax base and consumer spending. In 2023, their earnings of $27.3 billion resulted in $7.3 billion in taxes, leaving $20 billion in spending power that supports local businesses and communities. This economic activity is crucial for maintaining vibrant local economies.
Moreover, immigrants are uniquely qualified to meet the growing demand for multilingual skills in the workforce. Between 2019 and 2024, the number of online job postings requiring or prioritizing bilingual skills in Ohio surged by 39.2 percent. Immigrants often possess these multilingual capabilities, making them ideal candidates for these 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, which prevent them from working in their fields. In 2023, 43.7 percent of immigrants with a college education were employed in jobs that did not require a degree, indicating a significant mismatch in the labor market.
To gain deeper insights into 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 aims to create a more welcoming and equitable immigration system. Through litigation, research, and programs that expand access to legal assistance, the Council works to ensure 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 businesses, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups advocating for the modernization of the immigration system to support the state’s economic growth. Launched on December 10, 2020, OBIS promotes principles designed to strengthen the economy, attract global talent, and foster new business development in Ohio.
According to the American Immigration Council, the findings of this report underscore the critical contributions of immigrants to Ohio’s economy and the importance of addressing barriers that limit their potential.