Study Finds Nearly $124B Positive Fiscal Impact of Refugees and Asylees on the American Economy

This in-depth analysis examines the fiscal impact of refugees and asylees on the U.S. government and economy. This report sheds light on the significant contributions made by refugees and asylees to the U.S. economy and society.

These findings can inform decision-making on resettlement services and contribute to the broader research on the positive impacts of refugees in American communities.

Some of the key findings include:

Net Fiscal Impact: Refugees and asylees had a positive net fiscal impact on the U.S. government over the 15-year period, totaling $123.8 billion. The net fiscal benefit to the federal government was estimated at $31.5 billion and approximately $92.3 billion to state and local governments. When compared with the total U.S. population on a per capita basis, refugees and asylees had a comparable net fiscal impact.
Government Revenue: Refugees and asylees contributed an estimated $581 billion in revenue to all levels of government. Through payroll, income, and excise taxes, they contributed an estimated $363 billion to the federal government, and through income, sales, and property taxes, they contributed $218 billion to state and local governments.
Government Expenditures: Over the 15-year period, governmental expenditures on refugees and asylees totaled an estimated $457.2 billion. Expenditures by the federal government represented 72.5 percent of the total, at $331.5 billion, while state and local government expenditures were 27.5 percent of the total, at $125.7 billion.

While this study does not account for the full lifetime costs and benefits of refugees and asylees nor estimates the impact based on region, time in the US. or age, it focuses instead on the total impact over a specified time period. The analysis demonstrates how the U.S. humanitarian programs to assist arrivals, despite the initial cost to the government, has led to positive cumulative effects over time on government budgets.