Study: Young immigrants help Mohawk Valley's economy

Young immigrants played a key role in economic growth in this area. Many people believe immigrants destroy the economy, this area, like most, is being helped by them. DP

By CHINKI SINHA, Observer-Dispatch

uticaod.com: UTICA — Young immigrants and refugees are filling crucial gaps in the area's work force and housing market as the native population ages, according to a new study by the University at Buffalo's Regional Institute.

From 2003 through 2006, 28 percent of people obtaining legal permanent residency in upstate's largest metro areas — Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo — were younger than 18, compared to 22 percent statewide and 20 percent nationwide, the study said.

In these five upstate metro areas, immigrants played a key role in economic growth, according to the study.

“While upstate immigrants differ substantially from downstate and national immigration trends — in number, origin, and reason for entry — they are playing a larger role in the lives of upstate communities than they have in decades,” according to the study. “Filling critical gaps in urban neighborhoods and key economic sectors, and contributing to the region's global outlook, their importance to the region will likely grow as the native population ages.”

In the Utica area, 64 percent of all immigrants are younger than 34, which offsets the aging work force and will fill in key employment gaps, the study said.

For city Mayor David Roefaro, the region's refugees are a vital force on the economy, and their contribution must not be ignored.
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