Texas Immigrants Power 24% of Workforce, Add $225B Annually

Immigrants aren't just part of Texas—they're powering its economic engine, accounting for nearly one in four workers across the Lone Star State.

A comprehensive analysis by FWD.us reveals that 4 million immigrant workers contribute an estimated $225 billion in personal income annually, representing about one-fifth of Texas' total spending power. These workers make up 24% of the state's labor force, the second-largest immigrant workforce in the United States.

The numbers tell a story of communities built by immigrant hands. In construction, 40% of workers are immigrants, while they represent 28% of agricultural workers and over half of building services workers. In meat processing, landscaping, and taxi services, immigrants fill between 40% and 52% of positions.

But this isn't just about job numbers. The report highlights how integrated these workers are into Texas life: 87% speak English, 57% own their homes, and 73% have lived in the United States for more than a decade.

Eleven million Texans live in households with at least one immigrant family member. That means the impact extends far beyond workplace statistics into schools, neighborhoods, and communities across the state.

More than 1.5 million immigrant workers are naturalized U.S. citizens, while hundreds of thousands hold permanent residency or work visas. Another 1.5 million workers, about 9% of the workforce, have temporary protections or pending legal status yet contribute over $60 billion to the economy and pay more than $16 billion in taxes annually.

The Ripple Effect

These workers proved essential during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, keeping critical infrastructure running when Texas needed it most. Their contributions ripple through every sector of the economy, from the food on grocery store shelves to the roofs over people's heads.

Among workers without permanent legal status, 39% own homes and 59% have lived in the United States for more than a decade, demonstrating deep roots in their communities. FWD.us argues these long-term ties show why creating a welcoming environment isn't just good policy—it's essential for Texas' continued growth.

The report arrives as immigration policy debates continue nationwide, offering concrete data about economic contributions and community integration. Texas depends on immigrant workers to grow, and the numbers prove that connection runs both ways.

As Texas continues to expand, these 4 million workers represent not just economic power but the human foundation of thriving communities across the state.