Immigrant Entrepreneurs Creating Jobs and Strengthening the U.S. Economy in Growing Industries

Author: 
James Jennings
Date of Publication: 
April, 2013
Source Organization: 
The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc.

This sweeping portrait of immigrant entrepreneurship and labor in key industries across the U.S. includes in-depth views of three states. The report reveals immigrants' outsized role in helping to grow the economy. While immigrants make up about 12 percent of the total population, their involvement as entrepreneurs and workers is significant, even staggering in certain sub-sectors. For instance, immigrants make up 74 percent of entrepreneurs in Waste Management and Remediation and 63 percent of entrepreneurs in Taxi and Limousine Service.  

Interviews with experts reveal that immigrant entrepreneurs capitalize on niches that expand the market rather than compete with existing businesses. Their involvement in building the green economy shows that, while many immigrant entrepreneurs are isloated from green initiatives, some are spearheading innovative or viable techniques in recycling, reducing carbon footprints and "going local" that can be replicated by other businesses. Ten outstanding immigrant entrepreneurs are profiled allowing for a personal view of what it takes to rear a successful business as an immigrant. 

Download the report here.

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