Immigration in Minnesota - The Minneapolis Foundation
Immigration in Minnesota - The Minneapolis Foundation
Immigration in Minnesota - The Minneapolis Foundation
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In addition to expand<strong>in</strong>g M<strong>in</strong>nesota’s workforce, Lat<strong>in</strong>os are generat<strong>in</strong>g new services and tax dollars for M<strong>in</strong>nesota through entrepreneurial and<br />
economic development activities. More than 1,000 Mexican-American bus<strong>in</strong>esses alone operate <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>nesota, generat<strong>in</strong>g an estimated $200<br />
million <strong>in</strong> sales.<br />
Economics<br />
In addition to expand<strong>in</strong>g M<strong>in</strong>nesota’s workforce, Lat<strong>in</strong>os are generat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
new services and tax dollars for M<strong>in</strong>nesota through entrepreneurial<br />
and economic development activities.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong>o-driven revitalization of M<strong>in</strong>neapolis’ East Lake<br />
Street, formerly a run-down, neglected bus<strong>in</strong>ess corridor, has been<br />
widely celebrated. Anchored by Mercado Central, a cooperative<br />
shopp<strong>in</strong>g and cultural center, more than 200 Lat<strong>in</strong>o bus<strong>in</strong>esses now<br />
l<strong>in</strong>e this thriv<strong>in</strong>g city artery.<br />
Other, less publicized redevelopment efforts are also tak<strong>in</strong>g place<br />
throughout the state, serv<strong>in</strong>g a mix of Lat<strong>in</strong>o and non-Lat<strong>in</strong>o customers.<br />
More than 1,000 Mexican-American bus<strong>in</strong>esses alone operate<br />
<strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>nesota, generat<strong>in</strong>g an estimated $200 million <strong>in</strong> sales.<br />
In rural parts of the state, Lat<strong>in</strong>os also contribute significantly<br />
to the economy: <strong>in</strong> south central M<strong>in</strong>nesota alone, researchers have<br />
estimated that Lat<strong>in</strong>o workers employed <strong>in</strong> agricultural <strong>in</strong>dustries<br />
add nearly $25 million to the local economy.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation on immigration <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>nesota,<br />
please visit www.M<strong>in</strong>neapolis<strong>Foundation</strong>.org.<br />
9<br />
Life <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>nesota:<br />
Challenges and Considerations<br />
Economic and Political Clout—M<strong>in</strong>nesota Lat<strong>in</strong>os have become a<br />
desirable demographic for local bus<strong>in</strong>esses. In the Tw<strong>in</strong> Cities metro<br />
area <strong>in</strong> 2000, Lat<strong>in</strong>o buy<strong>in</strong>g power exceeded $1.25 billion. New<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esses and media are be<strong>in</strong>g created to serve Lat<strong>in</strong>o consumers,<br />
while political parties are vy<strong>in</strong>g for their votes.<br />
Workers’ Rights—Whether legal or undocumented immigrants,<br />
permanent or migrant residents, Lat<strong>in</strong>o workers <strong>in</strong> low-wage<br />
occupations face regular threats to and abuses of their human and<br />
civil rights. Overtime pay, worker safety, and hous<strong>in</strong>g conditions<br />
(when hous<strong>in</strong>g is provided) are just a few areas <strong>in</strong> which abuses<br />
occur. Workers often fear retaliation for efforts to ensure safe and<br />
fair employment conditions.<br />
Documented vs. Undocumented Status—An estimated 18,000<br />
to 45,000 undocumented Lat<strong>in</strong>os live and work <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>nesota.<br />
This should not be confused with migrant workers, the majority of<br />
whom either are permanent U.S. citizens or have legal permission<br />
to work <strong>in</strong> the United States. Documentation is a contentious issue<br />
for Lat<strong>in</strong>os and non-Lat<strong>in</strong>os alike. And related issues such as access<br />
to health care, higher education, and family mobility impact the<br />
workers, their families, and the community.<br />
<strong>The</strong> M<strong>in</strong>neapolis <strong>Foundation</strong>