To clear up the misperception that resettled refugees are a drain on   our economy and us, here are some facts to clarify the contributions these newcomers, who come here legally, make to our society:

1. Once resettled, refugees not only contribute to their new communities economically, but also play an active role in civic engagement, participate in the labor force, maintain a strong devotion to education, purchase homes, and become U.S. citizens.

2. Refugees across the country have brought their skills and their devotion to helping communities fight the spread of COVID-19. For instance, about one-third of New York State’s health care
workers are immigrants and refugees.

3. Refugees generate economic growth for the country and create jobs in their local communities.  Many industries, like hospitality and meatpacking, rely heavily on refugee workers. Across the
U.S., the low number of refugee arrivals is putting an unnecessary strain on businesses, especially in rural areas.

4. In some communities, the rate of entrepreneurship among refugees is twice that of the general population. Refugees are more apt to invest in businesses, making them job creators in their
local communities where they often operate businesses that offer everyday goods and services -key components of a strong economy.

5. Refugees contribute billions in taxes to the U.S. economy, and over a 20-year-period, contribute $21,000 more in taxes than the initial investment to resettle them. In 2015, refugees contributed more than $100 million to state and local government through the tax system and contributed $21 billion in taxes overall.