Data that moves policy — and informs debate.
Our rigorous, independent analysis provides clear insights into the challenges of immigration and the vital economic role of immigrants.
Explore Our Research HubData that moves policy — and informs debate.
Our rigorous, independent analysis provides clear insights into the challenges of immigration and the vital economic role of immigrants.
Explore Our Research HubData that moves policy — and informs debate.
Our rigorous, independent analysis provides clear insights into the challenges of immigration and the vital economic role of immigrants.
Explore Our Research HubApril 1, 2026
New York is home to 4.5 million immigrants who contribute to the state as workers, business owners, caregivers and taxpayers, with especially vital roles in healthcare, construction, restaurants, and domestic care. With regional and county-level data, IRI offers a closer look at how immigrants help communities across New York thrive.
4.5 million
immigrants live in New York
26%
of New York's GDP comes from immigrants
32%
of business owners in New York are immigrants
“IRI is a national resource and trusted thought partner at the intersection of immigration and economics.”
— Kaitie Dong, Washington State Budget and Policy Center 
“The organization’s ability to offer data-driven rebuttals is crucial in the world we’re living in.”
— Jason Cone, Robin Hood
“IRI brings the research and data muscle that drive policy breakthroughs in immigration and labor campaigns.”
— Angeles Solis, Action Lab
“We truly value how intentional IRI is about collecting and using data that reflects our community’s real experiences.”
— Sophie Bah-Kouyate, African Communities Together
“By bringing unbiased data to coalition work, IRI plays the role of ‘the adults in the room.’”
— Alana Cantillo, Office of the New York City Comptroller
“IRI is thorough, smart, engaged, and collaborative.”
— Su Patel, New York Immigration Coalition
Research Hub
March 19, 2026
Entrepreneurship strengthens communities and local economies nationwide, with immigrants, women, and African Americans playing a vital role as business owners, job creators and drivers of economic vibrancy.
January 28, 2026
Immigrants strengthen the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area by contributing to economic growth, supporting local businesses and adding vibrancy to neighborhoods as business owners and essential contributors to everyday life.
January 13, 2026
Low license caps plagued local street vendors for decades — until City Council reforms changed the landscape.
Immigration Essentials
How immigration shapes our economy, our communities, and our country.
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