Today on May 1, Immigrant Rights Day, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released statistics demonstrating the economic contributions of immigrants to the Tampa Bay region.

“In Tampa Bay, we value our diversity -- our history and economic successes are built on the contributions of immigrants. Our community and the state of Florida are dependent on a talented and diverse workforce,” U.S. Rep. Castor said. “Neighbors, businesses, churches and law enforcement officials throughout the region have been united with me in calling for comprehensive immigration reform, supporting our Dream Act students, and most recently, opposing the travel ban targeting Muslims and refugees. Today on Immigrant Rights Day, let's come together in opposition to President Trump’s attacks on immigrants and immigrant communities. I will be joined by my Democratic colleagues in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate on the front Capitol steps tonight to rally in support of America’s immigrants.”

Immigrants and the economy in Florida’s 14^th Congressional District:

More statistics:

· Housing ownership - Immigrant families have long played an important role helping to build housing wealth in the United States. In recent decades, the more than 40 million immigrants collectively in the country increased U.S. housing wealth by $3.7 trillion. Much of this was possible because immigrants moved into neighborhoods once in decline, helping to revitalize local communities and make them more attractive to U.S.-born residents.

o   Number of homes owned by immigrants in FL14 – 26,181

· Taxes & Spending Power -- Nationally, immigrants earned $1.3 trillion in 2014 and contributed $105 billion in state and local taxes and almost $224 billion in federal taxes. This left them with nearly $927 billion in spending power.

o   Immigrant household income in FL14 - $3.0B

o   State and local taxes paid in FL14 - $198.5M

o   Federal taxes paid in FL14 - $489.4M

· Entrepreneurship -- Immigrants nationally are 28 percent more likely to be entrepreneurs than natives. In 2010, roughly one in 10 American workers with jobs at private firms were employed at immigrant-founded companies. Immigrants similarly play an important role as entrepreneurs in FL14.

o   It is 55.8 percent more likely for immigrant residents in FL14 to be entrepreneurs than native-born residents.

o   4,750 immigrant entrepreneurs reside in FL14.

Source:  New American Economy. Data is current as of 2014, and does not reflect the more recent redistricting.

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