The Integration of Immigrants and Their Families in Maryland: The Contributions of Immigrant Workers to the Economy

Capps, Randy; Fortuny, Katrina

The Urban Institute

2008

This report examines the contributions of immigrants to Maryland’s workforce and trends in the workforce between 2000 and 2006, with a focus on labor force characteristics of sub-populations of immigrants across countries of origin, education levels, wages, and English language ability. Maryland’s immigrant workers are unusually highly educated and work in key skilled industries, such as health care, information technology, and the sciences. However, there are also large numbers of immigrant workers with low educational attainment and English proficiency who work largely in construction, agriculture, and services. A key recommendation is that investments and education and training to bridge the literacy and language divide for immigrants and native-born workers will be critical to help Maryland remain competitive in the 21st century.

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