Immigration reform will grow our economy

With the 2016 presidential election in their sights, potential candidates have started their travels across the country to meet with American voters. And while meeting with the nation’s voters, there is one significant change that will likely stand out: the U.S. electorate is not what it once looked like.

The voter demographic in this country is rapidly changing. This is especially apparent with regards to the swelling tide of Hispanic and Asian voters, both of whom are projected to expand by as many as 19.2 million come the 2016 election, according to a study by the Partnership for a New American Economy (PNAE).

To put this in perspective, the 2012 presidential election was determined by just five million votes. So, how can political candidates reach this growing and key constituency? Answer: immigration reform.

In Wisconsin, immigrants have long been foundational contributors in growing the state’s economy. Over the last 30 years, the number one motivating force behind job creation has been new business generation. Here in our state, immigrant entrepreneurs have made a considerable impact by starting more than 10,000 businesses, according to the PNAE. A closer look at the data shows that these immigrant-owned businesses brought in nearly $600 million in business income annually between 2006 and 2010.

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