report: Immigrants Grow Communities
The Impact of Immigrants and
Immigration IN PENNSYLVANIA
One of the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians is the concerning decline in population size. As the median age surpasses the national average, labor shortages have worsened and the cost of living has increased, leaving residents across the Commonwealth in a state of professional and financial uncertainty. Although this decline and its consequences are dire, they present a unique opportunity for our elected leaders to take action on meaningful policies that will positively impact all residents. How we address this issue will have ripple effects for generations to come. It is thus imperative that we pursue humane, common-sense solutions that will transform the state landscape into a place where all are welcome and valued.
It has long been the case that immigrants are the economic engine of the nation, in many instances, quite literally building up the communities they reside in. This is also true for Pennsylvania, which has significantly benefited from immigration to the state over the last 20 years. As of 2024, there are 51.9 million foreign-born individuals living in the United States, according to the U.S. Census American Community Survey. In Pennsylvania, the foreign-born population is just over one million people, with a count of 1,031,320 residents according to 2024 data. Given their indispensable contributions and the state’s current population decline, it is clear that Pennsylvania needs more immigrants.
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