KTRV Fox 12 Immigrants Impact on Idaho Economy

Immigrants Impact on Idaho Economy

Boise, Idaho -- A new study shows how immigrants, both legal and illegal, effect Idaho's economy.

Numbers from the Immigration Policy Center show immigrants made up 7.2 percent of Idaho's workforce in 2008. Of that, 3.1 percent were illegal immigrants.

The study also says that if all undocumented immigrants were removed from the state, Idaho would lose nearly $430 million in economic activity.

"These immigrants are an integral part of our economy, they're an integral part of our communities and if they were to leave, there would be huge economic repercussions. So if the federal government acts, people will be able to come out of the shadows and legalize and pay their fair share on the economy," said Tyler Moran, of the National Immigration Law Center.

The study also showed the purchasing power of immigrants in Idaho. Latinos purchasing power totaled $2.5 billion dollars. That's more than 500 percent increase from 1990.