Immigrants are a growing segment of the mid-Michigan economy, wielding significant spending power and contributing to the tax base, according to a new report released by the American Immigration Council and the Michigan Global Talent Coalition.

The report shows the economic impact of immigrants in a 10-county region that includes Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Osceola and Saginaw counties. The data outlines the role these individuals play in the region's workforce and efforts to address population decline.

In 2022, the report found that 12,700 immigrants resided in mid-Michigan, representing 2.1% of the total population. Despite this relatively small proportion, these residents held a combined spending power of $407.4 million. Their contributions to government coffers were also notable, with immigrants paying $103.5 million in federal taxes and $46.8 million in state and local taxes in the same year.

Rich André, the director of state and local initiatives at the American Immigration Council, said that many immigrants in the region possess advanced degrees or specialized training, positioning them to fill gaps in sectors like healthcare.

In 2022, 30.4% of mid-Michigan's immigrants held an advanced degree, and 46.4% possessed a bachelor’s degree or higher. Seventeen point one percent had less than a high school education, indicating that immigrants are contributing to industries with a range of skill requirements.

“Policymakers and business leaders can use the data in this report to inform hiring, talent attraction and retention, and economic development efforts in the region," André said.

Steve Tobocman is the executive director of Global Detroit, a regional economic and community development organization. He pointed out the high levels of educational attainment among this group, noting that over 46% of mid-Michigan’s immigrants hold a college degree, and more than 30% have earned an advanced degree.

Tobocman said the college education rates of Mid-Michigan's immigrant communities match those of cities like Seattle, Austin, and North Carolina’s Research Triangle — and even surpass rates in New York, Chicago and Atlanta.

“The data released today challenges the negative stereotypes often highlighted by politicians and media who focus on immigration,” he said.

A key finding of the report is the role immigration plays in addressing population decline in the mid-Michigan region. Between 2017 and 2022, the total population of the region decreased by 1.4%, while the immigrant population saw a growth of 2.3%.

The report also indicates that immigrants are contributing to the region's labor force needs. In 2022, immigrants in mid-Michigan were 21.9% more likely to be of working age compared to their U.S.-born counterparts.

While comprising 2.1% of the total population, immigrants made up 2.5% of the working-age population and 2.7% of the employed labor force.

The skills and education levels of immigrants in the region are diverse, contributing to the economy across various sectors, according to the report.

Central Michigan University is one institution in the region directly impacted by and contributing to these trends. International students have non-immigrant visas, but similary they still have economic contributions on the community.

Ling Zhang, executive director of International Student and Scholar Services at CMU, talked about the contributions of the university's international student population to the campus community.

“International students are an important part of our university community,” Zhang said. “International students bring diverse perspectives and experiences to CMU, enriching our culture and engaging with students, faculty and staff to broaden our shared understanding of the world.”

Zhang also highlighted the resources CMU provides to support its international students, including various scholarships and grants. She said that many eligible international students receive financial assistance from the university.

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services offers a welcome center, orientation programs and ongoing support to help these students achieve their academic goals. Zhang pointed to the numerous international student organizations, such as the International Student Organization, which foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for cultural exchange and connection among students.

Tobocman said the high rates of educational attainment among immigrants in the region show that international students graduating from CMU are positioned to contribute to the workforce and economic development of mid-Michigan.

Efforts to further integrate the economic and talent contributions of immigrants in the region will be showcased at the Global Talent Summit from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m on April 22 at CMU's UC Rotunda. The event aims to connect mid-Michigan employers with international students from the region who are seeking to fill skilled positions.

The summit is sponsored by Global Detroit, the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance and the Mid-Michigan Development Corporation. The event aims to connect employers in mid-Michigan who are seeking to fill skilled positions with international students from the region.

The findings of the report and the upcoming Global Talent Summit highlight the economic role of immigrants in mid-Michigan and the efforts underway to leverage their skills and contributions for the region's continued development.