A new report by the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy details how immigrants are contributing to the U.S. economy, particularly where business ownership is concerned. Here are some of the highlights.

  • Immigrant-owned businesses generate about 11.6 percent ($67 billion) of all business income in the United States.
  • Immigrants represent 12.5 percent of all business owners.
  • Immigrants are 30 percent more likely to start a business than non-immigrants.
  • Immigrants own more than one-fifth of businesses in the arts, entertainment and recreation industries.

This report marks the first time that immigrant-owned businesses have been studied in detail. “These finding can make a significant contribution to public policy debates,” Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy, said in a press release. All in all the report creates a clear picture of how immigrants are generating income, creating jobs and altogether helping to boost the economy.