Abraham Lincoln's Answer to the Immigration Question

......visit www.ethnictrends.info for data on the ethnic markets.... Abraham Lincoln had an answer to the great American immigration question: Who is the true immigrant? Do people coming from Asia, Latin America and Africa have the same qualities as the Founding Fathers? In a speech on July 10, 1858, Lincoln talked about the Founding Fathers:

“We find a race of men living in that day whom we claim as our fathers and grandfathers; they were iron men, they fought for the principle that they were contending for; and we understood that by what they then did it has followed that the degree of prosperity that we now enjoy has come to us.”

He goes on to pose the question whether the newer immigrants from Europe were connected to the Founding Fathers. He said if we were to look for a connection by blood we would not find a connection.

However - here is where they will find the connection:

"..but when they look through that old Declaration of Independence they find that those old men say that 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,' and then they feel that that moral sentiment taught in that day evidences their relation to those men, that it is the father of all moral principle in them, and that they have a right to claim it as through they were blood of the blood, and flesh of the men who wrote that Declaration, (loud and long continued applause) and so they are.

That is the electric cord in that Declaration that links the hearts of patriotic and liberty-loving men together, that will link those patriotic hearts as long as the love of freedom exists in the minds of men throughout the world. [Applause.]

President Abraham Lincoln, speech on July 10, 1858.

So new immigrants to America if anyone doubts your authenticity and links to the Founding Fathers - let them raise the issue with President Abraham Lincoln when they see him next. You could also give them a copy of the Declaration . Note Lincoln's only criteria was the moral sentiment that is contained in the Declaration.....

An article in the Wall Street Journal by Peggy Noonan pointed out this speech of Lincoln which I found and excerpted above. See Below for the larger excerpt of the speech as well as an excerpt of the Declaration.

We are now a mighty nation, we are thirty — or about thirty millions of people, and we own and inhabit about one-fifteenth part of the dry land of the whole earth. We run our memory back over the pages of history for about eighty-two years and we discover that we were then a very small people in point of numbers, vastly inferior to what we are now, with a vastly less extent of country, — with vastly less of everything we deem desirable among men, — we look upon the change as exceedingly advantageous to us and to our prosperity, and we fix upon something that happened away back, as in some way or other being connected with this rise of prosperity. We find a race of men living in that day whom we claim as our fathers and grandfathers; they were iron men, they fought for the principle that they were contending for; and we understood that by what they then did it has followed that the degree of prosperity that we now enjoy has come to us. We hold this annual celebration to remind ourselves of all the good done in this process of time of how it was done and who did it, and how we are historically connected with it; and we go from these meetings in better humor with ourselves — we feel more attached the one to the other, and more firmly bound to the country we inhabit. In every way we are better than men in the age and race, and country in which we live for these celebrations. But after we have done all this we have not yet reached the whole. There is something else connected with it. We have besides these men-descended by blood from our ancestors — among us perhaps half our people who are not descendants at all of these men, they are men who have come from Europe — German, Irish, French and Scandinavian — men that have come from Europe themselves, or whose ancestors have come hither and settled here, finding themselves our equals in all things. If they look back through this history to trace their connection with those days by blood, they find they have none, they cannot carry themselves back into that glorious epoch and make themselves feel that they are part of us, but when they look through that old Declaration of Independence they find that those old men say that 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,' and then they feel that that moral sentiment taught in that day evidences their relation to those men, that it is the father of all moral principle in them, and that they have a right to claim it as through they were blood of the blood, and flesh of the men who wrote that Declaration, (loud and long continued applause) and so they are. That is the electric cord in that Declaration that links the hearts of patriotic and liberty-loving men together, that will link those patriotic hearts as long as the love of freedom exists in the minds of men throughout the world. [Applause.] http://www.mrlincolnandfreedom.org/inside.asp?ID=19&subjectID=2 Excerpts of the Declaration of Independence as found in www.archives.gov

The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription

---

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

Website on Dynamic Power of Ethnic Capital

At the website, www.ethnictrends.info you will find a comprehensive overview of the dynamic power of ethnic capital in five major areas:

• Ethnic Consumers
• Ethnic Firms
• Ethnic Workers
• Ethnic Tax Base
• Cultural Capital
• Global Networks

You will also find links to important data on immigrants and minorities in Minnesota and data on ethnic capital in the above areas.

Also in the site are links to ethnic media and non profit resources.

Take the Minority Political Visibility Poll

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Minority Political Summit

Are Candidates for Public Office Listening? 2006 MINORITY POLITICAL SUMMIT Defining Policy Priorities of Minority Communities in Minnesota Why: Minority issues are largely invisible in the current election platforms of candidates for statewide offices: Governor, Senate, House, Secretary of State, Attorney General. WHEN: MONDAY OCTOBER 2, 2006, 3:30 – 6 PM WHERE: COWLES AUDITORIUM, HUMPHREY INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA WHO: MINORITY EXPERTS IN VARIOUS FIELDS FROM PRE-K TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP, MINORITY COMMUNITY LEADERS WHAT: PRESENTATION OF TOP POLICY PRIORITES FOR MINORITY COMMUNITIES FOR INTEGRATION INTO POLICY DEBATES IN MINNESOTA How: Input from community leaders and public at the event will be synthesized into a public document and distributed to the campaigns. Political campaigns and candidates will be encouraged to attend the event. Minority community leaders and community members are invited to attend and/or send in their policy priorities to corrie@csp.edu before September 28th in order to be included in the materials for the program. COST: FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Program: 3:30 to 5 pm (Invited speakers) 5 to 5:30 pm Open microphone. 5:30 to 6 pm Next Steps. Co-Sponsors: Asian American Press, Asian Pages, Conversations with Al McFarlane, Latino Communication Network Media (La Prensa de Minnesota, Gente de Minnesota), Hmong Times, Insight News, Mshale, Minnesota Multicultural Media Coalition, Africa News Journal. CONTACT: Lawrencina Mason Oramalu – 612 626 8734 loramalu@umn.edu Dr. Bruce Corrie – 651 641 8226 corrie@csp.edu For Updates: www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/wilkins ethnictrends.blogspot.com

Research Shows Supplier Diversity Good for the Bottom Line

The following are excerpts from www.thehackettgroup.com report of results on supplier diversity programs that was also reported in the Wall Street Journal on August 2. Increasing the reliance on women- and minority-owned businesses as suppliers does not cost leading procurement organizations more, according to new research from The Hackett Group, a strategic advisory firm and an Answerthink company (NASDAQ: ANSR). In fact, some cutting-edge companies find quite the opposite is true, and are finding ways to use supplier diversity to drive new sources of revenue. Hackett's research shows that world-class procurement organizations which focus heavily on supplier diversity don't sacrifice procurement savings to do so. In addition, these leading procurement organizations have slightly higher adoption rates of supplier diversity programs as typical companies, yet are able to generate 133%percent greater return on the cost of procurement operations than average performers, driving an additional $3.6 million to their company's bottom line for every $1 million in procurement operations costs.

The Premium for Learning English in the USA

Bruce P. Corrie, PhD corrie@csp.edu Here is a number to help policy makers understand why people all over the world want to study English. All over the world, including the USA, there is a strong economic reason to become fluent in English. The difference in earnings between people who speak English very well versus those who do not speak English at all is an estimated $24,000. English language learners get it – why don’t our policy makers? (Data estimated from a recent study by Sum et. al. (2004) of the ETS on the human capital of immigrants in the USA)

Rapid Growth in American Indian Firms in MN

Bruce P. Corrie PhD, corrie@csp.edu According to the Economic Census 2002, there were 2742 American Indian and Alaskan Native firms in Minnesota with 318 million in receipts. 487 of these firms had paid employees with $ 282 million dollars in receipts, employing 3676 people with 90 million dollars in payroll. Minnesota ranked 13th in the nation for growth in numbers of American Indian and Alaskan Native firms. In 1997 only 4 Minnesotan counties had 100 or more American Indian and Alaskan Native firms, the 2002 Census lists 8 Counties, 5 of which the Census provides data: Becker, Beltrami, Dakota, Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. For the first time, Minneapolis and Saint Paul appear as cities within Minnesota with 100 or more American Indian and Alaskan Native firms: 254 firms in Minneapolis and 120 firms in Saint Paul. American Indian and Alaskan Native firms had almost 40 percent growth of firms with paid employees, 60 percent growth in employees and 60 percent growth in payroll between 1997-2002.

Asian Owned Firms Grow Rapidly in MN

Asian Owned Firms Grew Rapidly in MN Bruce P. Corrie, PhD corrie@csp.edu According to the latest data from the Economic Census Asian owned firms grew 44 percent compared to the overall growth rate of 8 percent in Minnesota. Minnesota ranked 8th in the nation for the growth in Asian owned firms. Since 1997 Apple Valley, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Oakdale and Woodbury were new cities with 100 or more Asian owned firms were located. Other cities were Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, Plymouth, Richfield, Rochester, Roseville and Saint Paul. There were 8 counties with a significant presence of Asian owned firms: Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Olmsted, Ramsey, Scott, Stearns and Washington. Within ethnic groups, the largest number of Asian American firms with paid employees were Chinese, followed by Asian Indian and Vietnamese. No data was reported for Hmong firms which was unfortunate as we need a credible count of Hmong firms in Minnesota. The other surprise was a large increase in Filipino firms which from casual observation might be in part, an estimation error.

Mexican American Workers in MN Industries

Mexican American Workers in MN by Industry, 2000 Bruce P. Corrie, PhD Professor of Economics Concordia University-St. Paul. In 11 broad industry categories in Minnesota there were at least a 1000 workers who classified themselves “Mexican” for their ethnic heritage in Census 2000. The highest number of workers were found in manufacturing (11,475), followed by arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services (6338), professional, scientific, management, administrative and waste management services (4171), educational, health and social services (3835), retail trade (3250), health care and social assistance (2445), finance, insurance, real estate and rental and leasing (1544), wholesale trade (1298), transportation and warehousing and utilities (1279), and other services except public administration (1542). There were 39441 Mexican American workers making up 1.5 percent of all workers in Minnesota. In the Food industry they made up 9.5 percent of the workers. For more detailed data please contact corrie@csp.edu.

Immigrant Workers in MN

Immigrant Workers in Minnesota Bruce P. Corrie, PhD corrie@csp.edu As we remember the contributions of immigrant workers in Minnesota on May 1, the data (Census 2000 EEO data) below provides percentages of Asian and Hispanic workers in occupational categories where Asian and Hispanic/Latino workers make up at least 5 percent of the workforces. Most Asian and Hispanic/Latino workers are foreign born. The data indicates strong presence of these workers in both the high skilled as well as low skilled occupations in Minnesota. For other data and updates on the immigration debate please see my blog: http://ethnictrends.blogspot.com/ Occupation Category Percent Asian/Hispanic Total Civilian Labor Force (Asian and Hispanic Workers) 4.62 Miscellaneous Personal Appearance Workers 33.58 Miscellaneous Media and Communication Workers 32.20 Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners, All Other 30.53 Butchers and Other Meat, Poultry, and Fish Processing Workers 28.73 Medical Scientists 28.16 Derrick, Rotary Drill, and Service Unit Operators, and Roustabouts, Oil, Gas, and Mining 26.67 Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders 25.71 Other Metalworkers and Plastic Workers, Including Milling, Planing, and Multiple Machine Tool Operators 20.34 Physical Scientists, All Other 20.17 Astronomers and Physicists 19.44 Fence Erectors 18.97 Electrical, Electronics, and Electromechanical Assemblers 18.25 Roofers 17.58 Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators 16.67 Dishwashers 16.62 Food Batchmakers 15.25 Cooks 14.49 Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products 13.27 Computer Software Engineers 13.23 Chemical Engineers 12.82 Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders 12.66 Chefs and Head Cooks 12.32 Food Preparation Workers 11.90 Office Machine Operators, Except Computer 11.72 Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants, Bartender Helpers, and Miscellaneous Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers 11.46 Bakers 10.80 Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 10.74 Physicians and Surgeons 10.47 Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners 10.22 Postsecondary Teachers 10.21 Engine and Other Machine Assemblers 10.17 Computer Programmers 9.62 Cargo and Freight Agents 9.50 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 9.36 Gaming Services Workers 8.96 Dancers and Choreographers 8.92 Biological Technicians 8.82 Computer Scientists and Systems Analysts 8.68 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters 8.54 Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 8.51 Economists 8.44 Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other 8.40 Computer Hardware Engineers 8.38 Database Administrators 8.30 Plating and Coating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 8.09 Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service 7.93 Financial Analysts 7.89 Fishing and Hunting Workers 7.74 Food Service Managers 7.67 Janitors and Building Cleaners 7.54 Geological and Petroleum Technicians 7.41 Archivists, Curators, and Museum Technicians 7.29 Lay-Out Workers, Metal and Plastic 7.27 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Industrial, Utility, and Transportation Equipment 7.14 Miscellaneous Agricultural Workers, Including Animal Breeders 7.13 Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers 7.05 Miscellaneous Engineers, Including Agricultural and Biomedical 6.92 First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers 6.90 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 6.82 Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes 6.80 Other Business Operations Specialists 6.78 Miscellaneous Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, Including Social Science Research Assistants and Nuclear Technicians 6.65 Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping 6.56 Lodging Managers 6.50 Information and Record Clerks, All Other 6.46 Grounds Maintenance Workers 6.40 Market and Survey Researchers 6.40 Locksmiths and Safe Repairers 6.25 Physician Assistants 6.16 Dentists 6.15 Cashiers 6.03 Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop 6.02 Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks 5.96 Glaziers 5.92 Painters, Construction and Maintenance 5.91 Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food 5.91 Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop 5.84 Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers 5.77 Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners 5.76 Machinists 5.70 Agricultural and Food Scientists 5.70 Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators 5.70 Electrical and Electronics Engineers 5.64 Molders and Molding Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 5.64 Waiters and Waitresses 5.62 Telemarketers 5.59 Financial Specialists, All Other 5.58 Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts 5.52 First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Personal Service Workers 5.45 Chemical Technicians 5.35 Natural Sciences Managers 5.27 First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Food Preparation and Serving Workers 5.22 Counter and Rental Clerks 5.18 Biological Scientists 5.15 Food Servers, Nonrestaurant 5.08 Industrial Engineers, Including Health and Safety 5.08 Network and Computer Systems Administrators 5.05 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers 5.05 Athletes, Coaches, Umpires, and Related Workers 5.01 Helpers, Construction Trades 4.96

Rapid Growth of Black Firms in MN

Rapid Growth of Black firms in MN Bruce P. Corrie, PhD corrie@csp.edu According to latest data released by the Economic Census today, Black firms expanded rapidly in Minnesota. The number of Black firms increased by 95 percent in Minnesota during the period 1997-2002 and ranked 3rd in the nation in terms of growth of black firms. In Minnesota, Black firms in Minneapolis grew 123 percent from 1373 firms in 1997 to 3068 firms in 2002. There was an outward movement of Black firms from the Twin Cities to areas such as Brooklyn Park, Eagan and Hopkins and from Hennepin county and Ramsey county to Dakota county, Anoka county and Washington County. In Minnesota there were 7837 Black firms with 682 million in sales employing 4990 people with an annual payroll of 183 million dollars. For updates please see my blog http://ethnictrends.blogspot.com/

Immigrant Rally April 9th

Immigrant Rally April 9th Bruce P. Corrie, PhD corrie@csp.edu On my way to the rally it already became clear that it was going to be a massive one as I saw the traffic clogged up on the freeway and people walking towards the Capitol from as far as Dale Street. As the crowd made its way to the Capitol the entire stretch of road into the Capitol from across the freeway was filled with a mass of humanity with banners and drums. I was glad to see a multiethnic turnout including a small group representing Korean Americans. As I walked through the crowds from places like Saint Cloud the thought struck me that the average age of the crowd was around 25 – a significant policy implication for Minnesota. This segment is going to be Minnesota’s prime workforce in the future as well as some of the people in the prime tax base. In Minnesota as in the nation we are also beginning to see the silent invisible worker coming out in angry defiance. My inspiration from the people of the rally was dampened by the thought that I have yet to see a comprehensive policy response from our political representatives here at Minnesota and in Washington.

An African Perspective on Immigration

Bruce P. Corrie, PhD corrie@csp.edu Sometimes it helps to have a global perspective on our challenges else we end up ”falling in love with our sad luck story”…this data is particularly relevant to people who complain about the “costs” of immigrants. Below is data of the number of “refugees” accepted into a country in relation to the per capita GDP of countries. Africa shines! North America Per capita GDP: $38,256 Refugees: 853,300 Africa Per capita GDP: $879 Refugees: 4,861,400 Europe Per capita GDP: $19,423 Refugees: 4,429,900 Asia Per capita GDP: $2,549 Refugees: 6,899,600 Oceania Per capita GDP: $22,251 Refugees: 82,400 Latin America & Caribbean Per capita GDP: $3,576 Refugees: 2,070,800 Source: http://www.unhcr.org/statistics/2005_gdp_eng.pdf

MN Companies in Mexico

Bruce P. Corrie, PhD corrie@csp.edu Below are are a few MN companies with branches in Mexico. We know there are many more that operate out of Minnesota. If you know of any more please send me their names. I will post them on the blog. It will help Minnesotans see our many connections with Mexico. Our exports to Mexico according to the latest data from DEED is more than 500 million dollars. 3 M, ADC Telecommunications, Bemis Companies, Cargill, Carlson Companies, Donaldson Company, Ecolab, Ecowater Systems, H. B. Fuller, Honeywell International, Imation, Kroll, Land O Lakes, MTS System Corporation, Osmonics, Pentair, Radisson Hotels International, Red Wing Shoe, C. H. Robinson Worldwide, Saint Paul Travelers, Starkey Laboratories, Telex Communications, Thermo Ramsey. Source: Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries, 17th Edition

Rapid Growth of Latino Firms in Minneapolis

Bruce P. Corrie, PhD corrie@csp.edu Latino firms grew 67 percent during the five year period 1997-2002 in Minneapolis compared to 8 percent growth for all firms statewide. Latino sales grew by 188 percent and employees of Latino owned firms grew 238 percent during this time period. One just has to walk down Lake Street to witness Latino entrepreneurship at its best. Minnesota's policymakers take note of your immigrant capital ! Here are some of the numbers: Firms: 1997 360 firms 2002 602 firms Sales: 1997 29 million 2002 85 million Firms with employees: 1997 70 2002 132 Employees: 1997 434 2002 1467 Source: Economic Census, 2002

Latest Data on Latino Firms in MN, 2002

Latest Data on Latino Firms, 2002 Bruce P. Corrie, PhD corrie@csp.edu Economic Census, 2002 data released today show the following top businesses ranked by number of firms: Health care and social assistance (689), Professional, scientific and technical services (594), Construction (495), Retail trade (406) and Administration and Support and waste management and remediation services (273). Mexican Americans continue to be the largest number of Latino firms with 1908 firms and 277 million dollars in sales. Other Spanish/Latino/Hispanic firms were the next largest with 1692 firms and 155 million dollars in sales According to the Economic Census 2002, there were 3988 Hispanic firms in Minnesota with 462 million in receipts. 643 of these firms had employees with 361 million dollars in receipts, employing 4596 people with 97 million dollars in payroll.

85 House and 44 Senate Districts: Economic Contributions of Immigrants 2006-2030

Long Term Economic Contribution of Immigrants in 85 House and 44 Senate Districts

Bruce P. Corrie, PhD

corrie@csp.edu

The importance of a long term perspective on immigrants is underscored in the data below that shows the growth of Asian and Latino buying power from 2006 to 2030 in 85 House and 44 Senate districts of the Minnesota Legislature. In all cases the growth of Asian and Latino buying power is greater than the GDP of countries in the world. Research has well established that in the long run immigrants yield a net benefit to society. Minnesota's challenge is to view immigrant policy with a long term perspective. Legislators in the following districts could take the lead in developing a long term comprehensive immigrant policy in Minnesota.

Hennepin County 2006-2030

House District: 19B, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B, 34 B, 40B, 41A, 41B, 42A, 42B, 43A, 43B, 44A, 44B, 45A, 45B, 46A, 46B, 47A, 47B, 54A, 58A, 58B, 59A, 59B, 60A, 60B, 61A, 61B, 62A, 62B, 63A, 63B, Senate District: 19, 32, 33,34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 54, 58, 59, 60, 61 62,63

Asian/Latino Buying Power is estimated to increase from

$ 2.3 billion to $4.3 billion

Greater than the GDP of 55 countries in the world

Ramsey County 2006-2030

House District 50 A 50 B, 51 B, 53 A, 53B, 54 A, 54B, 55A, 55B, 64 A, 64B, 65 A, 65B, 66A, 66B, 67A, 67B Senate District 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 64, 65, 66, 67

Asian/Latino Buying Power is estimated to increase from

1.1 billion dollars to 1.9 billion dollars

Greater than the GDP of 38 countries in the world

Dakota County 2006-2030

House District 36A, 36B, 37A, 37B, 38A, 38B, 39A, 39B,40A,57A,57B Senate District 36,37,38,39,40,57

Asian/Latino Buying Power is estimated to increase from

600 million dollars to 1.1 billion dollars

Greater than the GDP of 30 countries in the world

Rice County 2006-2030

House District 25 B 26 B Senate District 25, 26

Asian/Latino Buying Power is estimated to increase from

60 million dollars to 125 million dollars

Greater than the GDP of 4 countries in the world

Scott County 2006-2030

House District 25 A, 25B, 34A, 35A, 35B, 40A Senate District 25, 34, 35, 40

Asian/Latino Buying Power is estimated to increase from

135 million dollars to 444 million dollars

Greater than the GDP of 16 countries in the world

Olmsted County 2006-2030

House District 29A, 29B, 30A, 30B Senate District 29, 30

Asian/Latino Buying Power is estimated to increase from

212 million dollars to 372 million dollars

Greater than the GDP of 12 countries in the world

Anoka County 2006-2030

House District 17A, 47A, 47B, 48A, 48B, 49A, 49B,50A,50B,51A,51B, 52A, 53A Senate District 17, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53

Asian/Latino Buying Power is estimated to increase from

262 million dollars to 484 million dollars

Greater than the GDP of 17 countries in the world

Washington County 2006-2030

House District 52A, 52B, 55B,56A, 56B, 57A, 57B Senate District 52, 55, 56, 57

Asian/Latino Buying Power is estimated to increase from

282 million dollars to 656 million dollars

Greater than the GDP of 18 countries in the world

Nobles County 2006-2030

House District 22 A 22 B Senate District 22

Asian/Latino Buying Power is estimated to increase from

40 million dollars to 85 million dollars

Greater than the GDP of 2 countries in the world

Kandiyohi County 2006-2030

House District 13 A 13 B Senate District 13

Asian/Latino Buying Power is estimated to increase from

45 million dollars, to 84 million dollars.

Greater than the GDP of 2 countries in the world

Undocumented Workers in US Workforce, 2005

Pew Hispanic Center Estimates, 2005 Percent of Workforce: 4.9 percent Insulation workers 36% Miscellaneous agricultural workers 29% Roofers 29% Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers 28% Helpers, construction trades 27% Butchers and other meat, poultry, and fish processing workers 27% Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials 26% Grounds maintenance workers 25% Construction laborers 25% Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons 25% Dishwashers 23% Helpers--production workers 23% Maids and housekeeping cleaners 22% Graders and sorters of agricultural products 22% Painters, construction and maintenance 22% Cement masons, concrete finishers, and terrazzo workers 21% Computer hardware engineers 20% Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders 20% Packers and packagers, hand 20% Cleaners of vehicles and equipment 20% Carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers 20% Cooks 20% Parking lot attendants 19% Upholsterers 18% Sewing machine operators 18% Food preparation workers 17% Laundry and dry-cleaning workers 15% “Analysis of the March 2005 Current Population Survey shows that there were 11.1 million unauthorized in the United States a year ago. Based on analysis of other data sources that offer indications of the pace of growth in the foreign-born population, the Center developed an estimate of 11.5 to 12 million for the unauthorized population as of March 2006.” http://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/61.pdf Source: Pew Hispanic Center tabulations of augmented March 2005 Current Population Survey, adjusted for omissions. Occupations shown have at least 50,000 workers and unauthorized share at least three times the national share (4.9%)

Firms in 122 MN Cities Applied for H1 B visas

Bruce P. Corrie, PhD corrie@csp.edu Firms in 122 Minnesota cities applied for H1 B visas in 2005. These include metro, suburban and rural cities. Minnesota applications were the highest in the Midwest (WI, IA, NE, SD, ND). MN ranked 17 in the nation in H1 B visa applications. The data indicates that Minnesota is increasingly a global economy. Following is a list of cities: Albert Lea, Alexandria, Andover, Anoka, Apple Valley, Arden Hills, Austin, Avon, Bagley, Bayport, Belle Plain, Bemidji, Big Lake, Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Byron, Caledonia, Canby, Center City, Champlin, Chanhassen, Chaska, Cokato, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Deephaven, Delano, Dodge Center, Duluth, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Elk River, Ely, Fairmont, Faribault, Farmington, Fergus Falls, Frazee, Fridley, Gaylord, Glenwood, Golden Valley, Grand Rapids Hallock Ham Lake Hastings Hopkins, Hutchinson, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, LeSueur, Lewiston, Little Canada, Mankato, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Marshall, McGregor, Mendota Heights, Milaca, Minneapolis, Montevideo, New Hope, Montgomery, Moorhead, Morris, Mountain Lake , New Brighton, North Mankato, Northfield, Oakdale, Olivia, Onamia, Owatonna, Park Rapids, Perham, Pine City, Pipestone, Plymouth, Princeton, Prior Lake, Ramsey, Red Lake, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Rochester, Roseau, Rosemount, Roseville, Saint Paul, Savage, Shakopee, Shoreview, Slayton, Sleepy Eye, Spring Park, St. James, St Louis Park, St. Anthony, St. Cloud, St. Paul Park, St. Peter, Stillwater, Thief River Falls, Tofte, Two Harbors, Vadnais Heights, Virginia, Waite Park, Warren, Warroad, Waseca, Wayzata, White Bear Lake, Willmar, Winona, Woodbury, Wyoming,

WHAT 8 LEGISLATORS NEED TO LNOW ABOUT IMMIGRANTS IN THEIR DISTRICTS

WHAT 8 LEGISLATORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IMMIGRANTS IN THEIR DISTRICTS? DATA FOR DECISION MAKERS SERIES Bruce P. Corrie, PhD Professor of Economics Concordia University corrie@csp.edu Eight legislators are cosponsors of HF 2576 which aims to remove the “sanctuary laws” currently in force in Minneapolis and Minnesota. Before they force Minneapolis and Saint Paul to change the “sanctuary” laws in the Twin Cities, they need to consider the following: Asian and Latinos make up most of the new immigrant population of Minnesota and play a critical role in the regional economies of the 8 House districts as consumers, firms, and workers. Key questions then:

• Have the legislators consulted with them about the proposed legislation?
• Do the top educational institutions in their districts such as Carlton College, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University and Saint Cloud State University, support the proposed legislation?
• Do the regional chambers of commerce support the proposed legislation?

Local analysts (Luz Frias, Mayor Coleman’s office) have demonstrated that the intent of the proposed legislation is already covered under current laws. Below is a brief profile of the immigrant economy in their districts. For more details please send an email to corrie@csp.edu. Hennepin County ( Smith 33A and Johnson, J. 43A)

• Buying power of Asians and Latinos in Hennepin county is estimated to grow from 2.3 billion dollars in 2006 to 4.3 billion in 2030 – greater than the GDP of 50 countries in the world.

• According to the Economic Census, in 1997 in Hennepin County there were 3216 Asian and Latino firms with sales close to a billion dollars employing over 7000 people.
• According to the 2004 American Community Survey, Hennepin County ranked 92nd out of 236 counties in the nation for the percentage of foreign born population.
• Minorities/immigrants make up around 16 percent of the labor force in Hennepin County. However in 120 occupational categories with over 100 workers, their representation ranges from 17 to 57 percent.

Stearns County (House District 15 A Jim Knoblach)

• The Saint Cloud area attracts international students from all over the world. Just in two institutions, Saint Cloud State University and the College of Saint Benedict-Saint John’s University there are over 1000 international students from over 80 countries. These institutions invest a lot to make the area attractive to international students.
• In 4 industries in Stearns County Latino and Asian workers make up at least 10 percent of workers in the following industries with 100 or more workers:

• Buying Power of minorities in Stearns County is over 100 million dollars.

• Minorities/immigrants make up around 4 percent of the labor force in the St. Cloud MSA. However in 50 occupational categories with over 100 workers, their representation ranges from 4 to 35 percent.

Dakota and Goodhue Counties (Holberg 36 A; Garofalo 36 B)

• Buying Power of Asian and Latinos in Dakota County is an estimated to grow from 600 million dollars in 2006 to over 1 billion dollars in 2030 – greater than the GDP of 20 countries in the world in 2004.
• In 1997 there were 670 Asian and Latino firms in Dakota County with 127 million in sales employing 1255 people.
• According to the 2004 American Community Survey, Hennepin County ranked 140th out of 236 counties in the nation for the percentage of foreign born population.
• Minorities/immigrants make up around 8 percent of the labor force in Dakota County. However in over 80 occupational categories with over 100 workers, their representation ranges from 10 to 56 percent.

Mcleod and Meeker County (Newman 18A)

• Buying power of Asians and Latinos in McLeod County is estimated at 20 million dollars and 8 million dollars in Meeker County.

• Minorities/immigrants make up around 4.1 percent of the labor force in the Mcleod, Meeker and Sibley Counties. However in at least 20 occupational categories with over 100 workers, their representation ranges from 5 to 21 percent.

Washington County (Dean, 52 B)

• Buying power of Asian and Latinos in Washington County is estimated to grow from 282 million in 2006 to 656 million in 2030 – greater than the GDP of 18 countries in the world in 2004.
• According to the 1997 Economic Census, in the county, there were 336 Asian and Latino firms with 45 million dollars in sales employing 403 people.
• Minorities/immigrants make up around 5.6 percent of the labor force in Washington County. However in at least 70 occupational categories with over 100 workers, their representation ranges from 6 to 23 percent.

Chisago County (Nelson 17 B)

• Buying power of Asians and Latinos in Chisago County is estimated at 10 million dollars.
• Minorities/immigrants make up around 3 percent of the labor force in the Chisago and Isanti Counties. However in at least 24 occupational categories with at least 100 workers their share of the workforce ranges from 4 to 10 percent.

Buying Power of Minorities/Immigrants in key cities in these 8 legislative districts:

• Plymouth – 101 million dollars
• Mound - 6 million dollars
• Minnetrista over 2 million dollars
• Medina over 2 million dollars
• St. Cloud - 84 million dollars.
• Waite Park - 9 million dollars
• Rockville - 1 million dollars
• Long Prairie - 6 million dollars
• Sauk Rapids - 6 million dollars
• St. Joseph - 3 million dollars
• Princeton - 1.4 million dollars
• Big Lake - 4 million dollars
• Dassel - 700,000 dollars
• Paynesville – 760, 000 dollars
• Willmar - 67 million dollars
• Staples - 2 million dollars
• Lakeville – 47 million dollars
• Farmington – 11 million dollars
• Northfield – 31 million dollars
• Glencoe – 14 million dollars
• Hutchinson – 10 million dollars
• White Bear Lake – 22 million dollars
• Hugo- 4 million dollars
• Stillwater – 7 million dollars
• Lindstrom – 1.4 million dollars
• North Branch – 4.6 million dollars

House Authors (HF 2576) Knoblach; Smith; Johnson, J.; Holberg; Nelson, P.; Garofalo; Dean; Newman Short Description Local governments prohibited from adopting ordinances which prevent employees from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

Contributions of Immigrants in the Saint Cloud Area

Data for Decision Makers Series Bruce P. Corrie, Ph.D Professor of Economics, Concordia University corrie@csp.edu

• Immigrants continue to add to the vitality of the Saint Cloud Area in many ways as consumers, workers, business owners or international students. Immigrants through their global networks help institutions and individuals in the St. Cloud area develop global connections in the area, whether it is trade, sister cities or cultural ties.
• The Saint Cloud area attracts international students from all over the world. Just in two institutions, Saint Cloud State University and the College of Saint Benedict-Saint John’s University there are over 1000 international students from over 80 countries. These institutions invest a lot to make the area attractive to international students.
• Leading industries in the area need workers. In Stearns County, Latino and Asian workers, most of whom are immigrants make up at least 10 percent of workers in the following industries with 100 or more workers:
• Food
• Petroleum and coal products
• Plastic and rubber products
• Computer and electronic products

• Businesses benefit from the consumer power of immigrants/minorities estimated to be:
• Stearns county over 100 million dollars.
• St. Cloud - 84 million dollars.
• Waite Park - 9 million dollars
• Rockville - 1 million dollars
• Long Prairie - 6 million dollars
• Sauk Rapids - 6 million dollars
• St. Joseph - 3 million dollars
• Princeton - 1.4 million dollars
• Hutchinson - 11 million dollars
• Big Lake - 4 million dollars
• Dassel - 700,000 dollars
• Paynesville – 760, 000 dollars
• Willmar - 67 million dollars
• Staples - 2 million dollars

• Minorities/immigrants make up around 4 percent of the labor force in the St. Cloud MSA. However in the following occupation categories they make up:
• 11.26 percent of the workers in All Computer and Mathematical occupations
• 9.7 percent of All Protective Service Occupations
• 8.4 percent of all Production Occupations
• In certain sub categories the percentages are much higher:
• 19 percent of computer scientists and system analysts
• 12 percent of postsecondary teachers
• 11 percent of news analysts, reporters
• 25 percent of editors
• 11 percent of dentists
• 11 percent of hotel, motel and resort desk clerks
• 37 percent of loan interviewers and clerks
• 11 percent of postal service clerks
• 12 percent of cement masons and concrete finishers
• 16 percent of electrical, electronic and electromechanical assemblers
• 18 percent of bakers
• 35 percent of meat processors
• 20 percent of job printers
• 43 percent of upholsterers

Sources: Census 2000; Author estimates of buying power from Census 2000 data; DEED LMI data. List of Representatives/Senators in the Saint Cloud Area Representative Mary Ellen Otremba (DFL -11B) Representative Greg Blaine (R - 12B) Representative Bud Heidgerken (R -13A) Representative Dan Severson (R -14A) Representative Larry Hosch (DFL - 14B) Representative Jim Knoblach (R - 15A) Representative Joe Opatz (DFL - 15B) Representative Sondra Erickson (R-16A) Representative Scott Newman (R-18A) Senator Dallas Sams (DFL - District 11) Senator Paul Koering (R - District 12) Senator Michelle Fischbach (R-District 14) Senator Dean Johnson (DFL - District 13) Senator Dave Kleis (R - District 15) Senator Betsy Wergin (R - District 16) Senator Amy Koch (R - District 19) Senator Steve Dille (R - District 18)

Why is Minnesota one of the low growth states for Women owned firms?

Bruce P. Corrie, Ph.D corrie@csp.edu If we look at the map from Census 2002 we find Minnesota as one of the low growth states for Women owned businesses. Why are we not one of the fastest growing states? Women-owned firms make up 28 percent of all firms in Minnesota and the number of these firms grew by 14 percent during the period 1997-2002. See map http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2006/women_sbov2.pdf

Latest Data on Women owned Firms in MN

Latest Data on Women Owned Businesses in Minnesota, 2002 Bruce P. Corrie, Ph.D corrie@csp.edu Latest data released by the Census today revealed that there are 123, 905 women owned businesses in Minnesota with $16 billion in sales and receipts. Out of these 16, 737 were firms with employees employing 123, 233 people with an annual payroll of 2..8 billion dollars. Hennepin county had the largest number of women owned firms 31, 667, followed by Ramsey County (12, 634) and Dakota County (9, 688). There were around 167 cities with 100 or more women owned businesses in Minnesota. Minneapolis topped the list followed by Saint Paul, Rochester and Bloomington. Other cities with at least a 1000 women owned businesses were: Maple Grove, Minnetonka,, Plymouth, St. Cloud, St. Louis Park, Woodbury, Andover, Apple Valley, Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Duluth, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina and Lakeville.

New Immigrant Network TIE Launches Minnesota Chapter

Bruce P. Corrie, PhD corrie@csp.edu Asian Indian business and community leaders in Minnesota will launch the local chapter of TIE on January 19, 2006 at an inaugural gala at the Radisson in Roseville. It is well established that new immigrants face significant barriers in accessing capital to start their businesses. One reason being that they do not have the networks to access capital and markets. The Indus Entrepreneurs (TIE), was originally founded in 1992 by Asian Indian immigrant entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley to create their own entrepreneurial and financial networks. Today with 42 Chapters in 9 countries TIE focuses on nurturing global entrepreneurship. TIE today stands for Talent, Ideas and Enterprise and brings both entrepreneurs and professionals together in its worldwide network. The TIE website claims that individuals associated with TIE have started businesses valued over 200 billion dollars since 1992 (http://www.tie.org/). The impact of TIE has also brought a new lexicon in academic discourse – “Brain Circulation.” Countering the argument that high skilled immigrants from the developing world drain their home countries of talent, AnnaLee Saxenian makes the case that these immigrants make everyone better off: creating wealth in their new country and investing in their former homeland. She calls this a new form of globalization. (http://cherry.iac.gatech.edu/REFS/TRP-Ref/Saxenian-Local-Global-SV-2002-report.pdf). Rafiq Dossani in a recent report of the Asian Pacific Research Center at Stanford University illustrates the importance of these ethnic networks as new immigrants start businesses. (http://iis-db.stanford.edu/pubs/12082/Dossani_Survey.pdf ). Mahendra Nath, a leading Minnesotan entrepreneur and recipient of numerous awards such as induction into the Minnesota Business Hall of Fame and Entrepreneur of the Year, serves as TIE Minnesota’s first President. Key speakers at the inaugural include: Governor Pawlenty, Kanwal Rekhi “The Sage of Silicon Valley" and DEED Commissioner Matt Kramer. The theme of the evening is, “Minnesota & India: Establishing Entrepreneurial Connections in a Global Market.” Information about the TIE inaugural can be found at http://www.mollyguard.com/event/22804208 .

State Proposals towards Legal Immigrants a Step in the Right Direction

Bruce P. Corrie, PhD corrie@csp.edu Governor Pawlenty announced certain proposals to encourage legal immigration in Minnesota. Proposals included a mix of policies aimed at encouraging legal immigration in Minnesota both at the high tech level as well as the low income level. These policies included tax credits for citizenship classes, financial literacy programs and proposals to attract high skilled immigrants. These are concrete proposals that send a good message to the world that Minnesota welcomes immigrants. I hope the Governor will continue to encourage Minnesotans to view immigrants as a source of dynamic capital that will help the state become competitive in our global economy. I also hope that he will announce shortly similar comprehensive proposals focusing on the undocumented workers in Minnesota.