New Analysis Shows How Immigrants Are Vital Members of Legislative Districts Across Virginia

Good stuff, as always, from the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis. Also, see below for a few infographics from competitive districts.

New Analysis Shows How Immigrants Are Vital Members of Legislative Districts Across Virginia

RICHMOND, VA — Immigrants play an important role in Virginia’s economy and communities. New analysis pulled together in easy-to-read infographics by The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis show the number of immigrants, educational attainment and median income for U.S.-born and immigrant households, the share of U.S.-born citizen children living in immigrant households, the number of foreign-born naturalized citizens who are of voting age, and many more data points for 69 of Virginia’s state House of Delegates and Senate districts. [For the districts that are not included, there is not sufficient data due to redistricting or Census sample sizes to produce reliable infographics.]Contrary to some current rhetoric, immigrant households in Virginia frequently have high levels of post-secondary education and bring important skills and experiences that benefit a wide range of Virginia communities, according to a related June report by The Commonwealth Institute. The infographics provide a snapshot of key data from the longer report by legislative district.

“As community members and leaders as well as legislative candidates talk together about what kind of community we want and the policies that can help build an economy that works for everyone in their community, it’s useful to have easy-to-understand information about their districts” said Laura Goren, Institute Research Director and author of the infographics. “These infographics show the important role of immigrants in House and Senate districts across the state.”

The infographics are available here.

The related full report, Virginia Immigrants in the Economy: Pillars of Prosperous Communities, is available at www.thecommonwealthinstitute.org.

Additionally, city and county-level tables are available indicating the number and share of residents who are foreign-born, showing changes between 2000 and 2017 5-year average data. 

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About The Commonwealth Institute
The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis provides credible, independent, and accessible information and analyses of fiscal and economic issues with particular attention to the impacts on low- and moderate-income persons. Our products inform fiscal and budget policy debates and contribute to sound decisions that improve the well-being of individuals, communities and Virginia as a whole. Visit www.thecommonwealthinstitute.org for more information.