Report on New Americans in Cincinnati Highlights Economic Contributions of Immigrants

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Sarah Doolin, New American Economy, [email protected]

The foreign-born population in metro Cincinnati holds more than $1.5 billion in spending power and has contributed over $189 million in state and local tax dollars

Cincinnati, OH — Today, Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Jill Meyer held a press conference to acknowledge the economic and demographic contributions immigrants have made within the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Drawing on data from a new research brief produced by the New American Economy with the Chamber, they provided information on how immigrants have strengthened the local tax base, boosted the economy through entrepreneurship, and filled workforce gaps in the region’s high-tech industry.

“Across the Midwest, immigrants are bringing renewed energy and growth to Rust Belt cities, and Cincinnati is no exception,” said John Feinblatt, Chairman of New American Economy. “This research shows how immigrants play important roles in the region’s largest industries, strengthen the local tax base, and start businesses that create additional jobs in the metro area and across Ohio.”

“This study confirms what we already know about the importance of diversity and inclusion to Cincinnati’s regional growth,” said Jill Meyer, CEO of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Immigrants are adding real value to our neighborhoods, our workforce, and our economy, and the Chamber will continue our work with partners across the region to attract and cultivate talent from across the U.S. and around the world.”

The report, “New Americans in Cincinnati,” finds:

• Although immigrants in metro Cincinnati made up 3.5 percent of the population in 2012, they held more than $1.5 billion in spending power and contributed over $189 million in state and local tax dollars.
• In 2012, foreign-born households contributed more than $266 million to Social Security and $62 million to Medicare.
• Immigrants also play an important role in the region’s high-tech industries, representing more than 10 percent of local STEM workers, 6.8 percent of the high-tech workforce, and 11.3 percent of all information technology workers.
• Between 2007 and 2012, the foreign-born population of Cincinnati’s metropolitan area accounted for 12.3 percent of total population growth.
• In metro Cincinnati, approximately 42.4 percent of the foreign-born population is made up of naturalized citizens.