Report: Immigrants make up increasing share of Minnesota’s overall workforce
Officials with the foundation say the report is based on 16 years of research and highlights how immigrants fill essential roles in key industries like agriculture, health care and manufacturing. by Nina Moini, Ellie Roth and Sarah Thamer A new report released by the Minnesota Chamber Foundation highlights the contributions of immigrants to the state’s economy. According to the report, nearly 60 percent of the state’s total labor force and employment growth came from foreign-born workers from 2019 to 2023. Officials with the foundation say the report is based on 16 years of research and highlights how immigrants fill essential roles in key industries like agriculture, health care and manufacturing. “Minnesota’s economy and workforce depend on a strong pipeline of talent, and immigration has become the leading driver of our state’s population growth,” said Sean O’Neil, director of economic development and research at the Minnesota Chamber Foundation. “With foreign-born workers accounting for the majority of recent employment gains, it’s clear that New Americans are playing a crucial role in filling workforce gaps and keeping our economy competitive.” Authors of the report found that smaller counties in greater Minnesota may disproportionately benefit from the added population base that immigration provides. According to the findings, 51…