IMMIGRANTS REVITALIZE CITIES

Cristina Jimenez, DMI Blog - Between 2000 and 2006, Greater Philadelphia's immigrant population grew by 113,000, compromising nearly 9 percent of the total population. Immigrants are revitalizing Philadelphia by starting businesses in poor areas and contributing to the local economy as workers and consumers. According to the Brookings Institution, nearly 75 percent of greater Philadelphia's labor force growth since 2000 is attributable to immigrants.

Philadelphia is not an isolated case. Detroit is also benefiting from the positive impact and contributions of a growing immigrant population. Cleveland, a city that has lost half of its population, is now exploring ways to attract immigrants for revitalization.

As Anne O'Callaghan, founder of the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, says: "If immigrants come and do well, the whole city would flourish."