Study Says Immigrants in San Antonio Boast Big Economic Impact

For all the bashing they've taken from Trumpsters, immigrants pack a big punch in San Antonio's economy, according to a study by New American Economy, an immigration-policy think tank.

In 2016, they paid $1.6 billion in state and local taxes and boasted spending power of $5.1 billion. They were also 55.2 percent more likely to start businesses in San Antonio, with nearly 18,800 immigrant entrepreneurs calling the city home, according to the study.

New American Economy is funded by billionaire and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and backed by Democratic and Republican mayors and business leaders.

The organization has detailed immigrants' economic contributions in the 100 largest metro area in its Map the Impact project.

Immigrants make up 12 percent, or 290,900, of San Antonio's population. The biggest shares of them – 31 percent – work in construction, followed by 21 percent in administrative support.

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