A new report is once against proving something we have always known: immigrants contribute to Maryland's economy. Immigration is not the economic problem that many believe it to be.

The study, "The Impact of Immigrants in Maryland" by the Commission to Study the Impact of Immigrants in Maryland, reviewed immigrants' contribution in the workforce over a ten-year period (2000-2010), including studying the cost of the government services the immigrants received.

A principle finding of the report is that immigrants usually did not compete with U.S. citizens for jobs in Maryland. Other findings include:

  • Skilled immigrants significantly contributed to important industries, including information, science and medical fields. Unskilled immigrants advanced Maryland's agriculture, construction, seafood, tourism and transportation industries.
  • The expansion in some of these industries would not have been possible without immigrant labor.
  • Immigrant workers can be attributed to more than 57 percent of the expansion of Maryland's workforce, which is above the national average (45 percent).
  • Immigrants take in less government assistance than they pay in taxes.
  • Approximately three quarters of the state cost involved with serving immigrants is related to the education of immigrant children, including U.S. citizen children of immigrants.

The Commission is asking for legislators to consider immigration's long-term impact on the economy, which is more significant and much more positive than the short-term costs.

This report comes at a significant time. Immigration is front-and-center in political debates and ideas for reform are hitting the tables of legislators around the country. We understand the value of immigrants to our state and country and can only hope that others take the time to read reports such as "The Impact of Immigrants in Maryland" and learn the facts.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, "'Common Sense' Immigration Policy Recommended by Md. State Panel," Feb. 9, 2012.