Michigan has been the fourth largest destination state for refugees over the last decade. Global Detroit’s research documents that these new Michiganders have been a source of strength to the Michigan economy.  The study conservatively estimates total annual economic impact of refugees to be between $229.6 million and $295.3 million in new spending, along with between 1,798 and 2,311 new jobs, in 2016 alone, from the over 21,000 refugees in resettled into Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties between 2007-2016. (2017)

This document explores how immigrant-inclusive strategies drive economic revitalization in the United States. Immigrants significantly impact the economy, founding nearly half of Fortune 500 companies and accounting for over 20% of all business owners. Successful models like the Neighborhood Development Center and Global Detroit utilize language access, cultural competence, and character-based microloans to support diverse entrepreneurs. The article emphasizes using "trusted connectors" to reach communities that may distrust formal institutions. Additionally, it highlights the vital role of immigrants in tech startups and STEM research. Finally, the source advocates for integrating immigrant inclusion directly into the core DNA of local economic development organizations

The "New Americans in Detroit" report provides a demographic and economic snapshot of the 426,551 immigrant residents in the Detroit metro area as of 2018. Representing 9.9% of the population, this group includes a significant share of naturalized citizens and refugees. Immigrants contribute substantially to the local economy, generating $17 billion in household income and paying $4.7 billion in taxes annually. They play vital roles as frontline workers in healthcare and food services. Despite challenges like limited English proficiency, the majority of immigrant households are homeowners.

This report investigates immigrants as a vital, yet overlooked, resource for revitalizing vacant and distressed urban housing. Analyzing 23 cities, including Detroit and Baltimore, the study reveals that immigrant renters often possess the financial eligibility to purchase and renovate homes priced around $50,000. Despite systemic barriers like language access and unconventional credit histories, immigrants are a growing population in cities where U.S.-born populations are declining. The report concludes that by implementing culturally competent outreach, cities can harness immigrant potential to stabilize neighborhoods and achieve ground-up community revitalization.

The "Diaspora Report" highlights how immigrant communities serve as vital human assets for local economic development through foreign direct investment (FDI) and export trade,. Highly-skilled immigrants act as key intermediaries, bridging home and host cultures to reduce trade barriers and facilitate international business,. Research indicates that a 10% increase in immigrant populations leads to a 4.7% rise in U.S. exports to their country of origin. By leveraging "dual identities," these entrepreneurs improve contract enforcement and market knowledge,. The report advocates for inclusive local strategies that integrate diaspora talent to secure long-term urban prosperity,.

This document highlights how immigrant entrepreneurs fuel local economies, representing 28% of Main Street business owners. Despite their significant impact, many face hurdles like language barriers, limited networks, and difficulty securing capital. The report provides a toolkit for local leaders to foster inclusion by partnering with trusted community organizations and offering culturally competent training. Key strategies include character-based microlending to overcome credit history gaps and mentorship programs to demystify U.S. business culture. Ultimately, integrating immigrant support into mainstream economic priorities revitalizes neighborhoods and drives global competitiveness

The "Filling the Talent Gap" report examines the economic impact of retaining international students in Michigan through Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas. With over 32,000 international students, Michigan ranks 9th in the nation, providing a vital pipeline for STEM talent to address a projected 1.3 million job shortfall. Crucially, 68% of OPT users are STEM majors, and they are nearly as likely as in-state domestic graduates to remain in Michigan. These students contributed over $1 billion to Michigan’s economy in 2014, supporting 13,500 jobs. The report positions the Global Talent Retention Initiative (GTRI) as a successful model for connecting international talent with local employers.