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April 23, 2009

Report: Latinos, immigrants key to ME's growth

By Carol Coultas

A report released today by the Maine Center for Economic Policy recommends embracing and supporting minority and immigrant populations as an economic development strategy.

The report, "The Growing Latin American Influence, Opportunities for Maine's Economy," focuses specifically on Latinos, the state's largest minority. But its recommendations are applicable to all foreign-born populations, which have increased 6% in Maine between 2006 and 2007, while nationally that population rose by just 1.4%.

The report recommends enhancing English language programs, streamlining the visa process and supporting entrepreneurship to maximize the contributions of minority and immigrant populations. Of Maine's non-white population, more than half are Hispanic, representing 1.2% of all Mainers. The report's authors said the state needs to find ways to draw in more immigrants to offset the effects of an aging population and the flight of young people from Maine's labor force.

In the report, U.S. Census data released in 2006 shows 731 Hispanic-owned businesses in Maine in 2002, with revenues of $113 million. 

 

Reader comments

From Deborah Stephenson

I wonder if anyone in Maine has thought that the youth might not fly out of the state if the state would provide a more business friendly environment thereby providing more jobs. Why should a state have to invite immigrants, hopefully legal, to fill business roles that the youth of Maine should be filling? And thereby staying, having families, providing taxes, etc. to replace the aging workers.  

From Clete Baltes

Are you or they crazy? With many Mainers out of work and you want to bring in immigrants!! many may be illegal. Does not make any sense.  

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