The United States Workforce: An Analysis from an Immigrant and Entrepreneur’s Perspective

Today, as Hector Quiroga, founder of Quiroga Law Office and a passionate advocate for immigrant rights, I want to delve into a crucial and emotional debate that affects not only the immigrant community but also the socio-economic structure of the United States. This topic is the contribution of immigrants to the U.S. workforce.

My reflections arise from intense debates on social networks and personal experiences. A few years ago, I participated in an “ask me anything” session, where the topic of immigrants and their impact on the U.S. economy was central. Some argued that immigrants unfairly take advantage of government resources without significantly contributing to the economy. I want to dismantle these myths with data and personal experiences.

First, let’s put things in context: it is estimated that there are approximately 50 million immigrants in the U.S., with the majority coming from Latin America. Specifically, around 11 million are from Mexico, representing a significant percentage of the immigrant population. This data, obtained from reliable sources such as the Migration Policy Institute, gives us an idea of the volume of people we are discussing.

Let’s talk about the economic impact. According to the American Immigration Council, in 2019, 28.5 million workers in the U.S. were immigrants, representing 17% of the total workforce. This means that approximately one in every six workers in the U.S. is an immigrant. Additionally, immigrants do not only occupy low-skilled jobs; many of them have university education or have at least attended college.

Furthermore, over 10.3 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. account for approximately 3% of the total population. This statistic highlights the importance of recognizing the role of undocumented immigrants, who also significantly contribute to the economy and tax system.

In terms of tax contribution, undocumented immigrants contribute billions of dollars in taxes each year. This fact, obtained from organizations like the Center for American Progress, refutes the myth that immigrants do not pay taxes. Every time an immigrant makes a purchase, they pay sales tax, thus contributing to the tax system, regardless of their immigration status.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, immigrants, including undocumented ones, played essential roles, especially in sectors such as food and health. Many doctors, nurses, and scientists who came to the U.S. on temporary visas helped fight the virus and develop vaccines. This contribution is not always adequately recognized.

Moreover, immigrants play a crucial role in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and services. These jobs are fundamental to the U.S. economy, and immigrants are often the backbone of these sectors.

From a business perspective, a significant percentage of companies on the Fortune 500 list were founded by immigrants or their descendants. This underscores that immigrants are not only workers but also entrepreneurs and innovators contributing to the U.S.’s economic growth.

In my personal experience as the founder of Quiroga Law Office and an entrepreneur, I have seen firsthand how immigrants create jobs and boost the local economy. In my companies, which include a law firm and other investments in various sectors, we have created numerous jobs, thus contributing to the community and the country.

In conclusion, the debate about immigrants and their role in the U.S. workforce is not just a matter of numbers and statistics. It is a story of determination, contribution, and resilience. Immigrants, whether documented or undocumented, are an integral part of American society. They contribute to the economy, pay taxes, create jobs, and enrich the country’s cultural diversity. As a society, we must recognize and value these contributions, dismantling the myths and prejudices that often surround this vital population. At Quiroga Law Office, we are committed to defending the rights of immigrants and promoting a deeper and more compassionate understanding of their role in our society.

Here you can see a video where I talk a bit more about this: