The Impact of Immigrants in Maryland

Immigrants - both legal and unauthorized - have made positive contributions to Maryland in terms of the economy and education, and the state needs to take a common-sense approach to future policy. This final report of the Commission to Study the Impact of Immigrants in Maryland states that immigrants significantly add to the state and recommends policies to work with immigrants, and not spend too much effort trying to enforce U.S. immigration law.

The state should also continue its efforts to provide high quality education to all young people, regardless of their immigration status. According to the report, Maryland's economy and economic growth is highly dependent on immigrants. Between 2000 and 2010, Maryland's gross state product increased by 26 percent. More than half of that is from immigrants. Some of these immigrants are highly educated and highly skilled, working in information technology, science and medical fields. Some of them are uneducated and work low-wage jobs.

The study finds that the education and job level of immigrants complements the state's existing work force. But immigrants with low-level jobs have also made a significant impact on the economy, especially in the construction, hospitality, retail, transportation, farming and fishing sectors.

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