OneAmerica report finds immigrant workers aid state economy
'Building Washington's Future' first to examine immigrant worker role in Washington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 8, 2009
SEATTLE
- Speakers from Seattle-based immigrant rights group OneAmerica, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the University of Washington joined immigrant workers from Iraq today to discuss a report released today examining the contributions of immigrants to the Washington state economy. The OneAmerica report is the first
report to focus on the role of the immigrant worker in Washington. The "Building Washington's Future: Immigrant Contributions to Our State's Economy" report outlines the role of immigrants in the work force
and their direct contributions to a variety of industries. "We need every person in this economy to really stimulate our state's growth. This is an important time to have a discussion about immigrant contributions to our state," said OneAmerica Executive Director Pramila Jayapal.
Washington
state's immigrant population is uniquely diverse with the majority of
immigrants originally from Asia and Latin America. The diversity of Washington's
immigrants is reflected in the variety of industries where they work. Some
of the state's largest research and academic institutions and business,
including the University of Washington and Microsoft, rely on H1-B visa workers.
"This issue is particularly important here in the Northwest where we have a very robust agricultural center as well as a technology sector that is continuing to grow," said Renee Radcliffe Sinclair, Executive
Director of Congressional & Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The report also speaks to the importance of two-way integration for new immigrant workers. Dr. Mo Kyson is a dentist from Iraq who served as an interpreter to the United States Army before coming to the United States last year. His wife, Dr. Shayma Kyson, is also a dentist. Neither of them can practice in the United States but both want to provide for themselves and give back to society. "We are professionals, we came over here prepared, but the rules are putting locks on our hands," said Mo Kyson. His wife added, "When we were in Iraq they destroyed everything, my home and my dream. I left everything. I left my child. They told me I could go to America. I was so happy. The land of opportunity, the land of freedom. I'm going to get my chance to be a dentist and acheive my goals. I just want a chance."
Washington's
immigrants who own their own businesses contribute significantly to the number of jobs
created and provide approximately $1.3 billion, or 9.8 percent, of the total
state business income. In Washington, Asians and Hispanics own 5.7 percent and
2.2 percent of businesses, respectively. The contributions of Washington's
immigrant work force support the need to invest in English Language
Services, naturalization assistance and immigrant entrepreneurs. These investments are essential in
an economic growth strategy in a struggling economy.
Full Report
Executive Summary
Photos from the News Conference
PRESENTERS FROM NEWS CONFERENCE
Pramila Jayapal, Executive Director, OneAmerica
Comments from News Conference
Sarah Curry, Policy and Research
Associate, OneAmerica
Comments from News Conference
Luis Fraga, Associate Vice Provost, UW,
Director of Diversity Research Institute
Comments from News Conference
Renee Radcliffe Sinclair, Executive
Director, Congressional & Public Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Mo Kyson, Iraqi refugee, served
as U.S. Army interpreter, highly skilled dentist, underemployed in construction
industry
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS
Jon Wyss, Governmental Affairs, Gebber Farms
Josh Koempel, Owner, Potentiality
Farms
CONTACT INFO AVAILABLE BY REQUEST
206-853-3339 or naomi@weareoneamerica.org
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For more information:
Naomi Ishisaka
Communications Director, OneAmerica
c: 206-853-3339
naomi@weareoneamerica.org |
About OneAmerica
OneAmerica (formerly Hate Free Zone) is committed to the vision of a unified nation with
justice for all. Our mission is to advance the fundamental principles
of democracy, justice, and human rights at the local, state and
national levels. We work with community partners and with partners
across the nation to protect and strengthen fundamental American rights
for all people-especially immigrants.
Please
join us and support our vision of America: a refuge from persecution,
the land of opportunity, the lifter of the lamp that lights the way to
freedom, liberty and justice for all.
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