Recognizing the essential role immigrants play in Pennsylvania matters now more than ever, as radical ideas for unprecedented and unsparing mass deportations take shape on the campaign trail and in Washington.
Immigrants in Pennsylvania make up a larger portion of the workforce than their total population share, making immigrants vital to the state’s economic strength.
Immigrants account for 7.7% of Pennsylvania’s population, totaling 995,800 people, but they compromise 9.7% of the workforce and make up large sections of key industries:
- In 2022, immigrants in Pennsylvania comprised 9.7 percent of the total workforce.
- In 2022, 13.4 percent of Pennsylvania’s self-employed entrepreneurs were immigrants.
- Pennsylvania’s immigrants are providing an educated workforce for the state, with 21% of Pennsylvania’s immigrant population having a graduate degree, compared to only 13.7% of native-born Pennsylvanians.
- Immigrants make up large sections of key industries in Pennsylvania, including STEM workers, agriculture, and transportation.
Immigrants have contributed billions in tax revenue to Pennsylvania and added billions to Pennsylvania’s economy. According to the American Immigration Council:
- Pennsylvania’s immigrants had $47.3 billion in household income and have an estimated $34.2 billion in spending power.
- Immigrants contributed $4.4 billion in combined state and local taxes, and $8.7 billion in federal taxes.
- A study by the American Immigration Council found that unauthorized immigrants in Pennsylvania contribute $205.7 million in combined state and local taxes annually.
Pennsylvania’s STEM occupations depend on immigrants, representing more than 16% of all STEM workers.
- 16.7 percent of Pennsylvania’s STEM workers were immigrants in 2022.
- 42.6 percent of Pennsylvania’s physical scientists were immigrants in 2022.
- 25.2 percent of Pennsylvania’s physicians were immigrants in 2022.
The individual stories behind the numbers highlight the dedication of Pennsylvania immigrants as they work to grow their businesses, strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy, and create opportunities for their families.
“At the Thread Bar in Philadelphia’s tony Rittenhouse Square, Bollywood music plays on a loop and the multilingual banter of employees buzzes through the shop as a string of American customers filter in and out. Sadia Afreen, whose family immigrated from Bangladesh when she was 11, and Harinder Kaur, a native of Punjab, India, are the female immigrant business partners in this now-thriving eyebrow threading salon. Kaur immigrated to Philadelphia in 2012 and was pregnant during their first year of business.”
“Few Philadelphians would disagree that Cristina Martinez, 2022 James Beard Award winner best chef in the Mid-Atlantic region and owner of highly successful South Philly Barbacoa and Casa Mexico restaurants, has added greatly to the flavor of the city. But Martinez, who was fired as a pastry chef because she was an undocumented immigrant and turned to selling food from a pushcart, is now an employer as well an advocate for other immigrants and immigrant businesswomen. ‘The most important legacy is for women to see that it is possible to start a business, whether or not you speak English,’ said Martinez.”
Frederic Rongier, An Immigrant Of France, Started His Own Creperie Called Paris 66 In Pittsburgh
Frederic Rongier, the visionary behind Pittsburgh’s Paris 66 Cafe and Gaby Et Jules Patisserie, understands the immigrant’s dilemma of straddling two worlds only too well. With Paris Cafe 66, he flawlessly blended the best of both, gracing Pittsburgh with a touch of je ne sais quoi. Step inside this Shadyside haven adorned with vintage charm, French signage, and the melodic croon of Edith Piaf. Rongier’s lifelong dream materialized in the form of a French crêperie. The significance behind the name ‘66’ runs deep — it symbolizes the birth year of both Fred and his wife, Lori, and pays homage to Route 66, an emblem of the American Dream. With a grin, Fred quips, ‘It’s the road from Paris to Pittsburgh.’ The tantalizing aroma permeating Paris Cafe 66 evokes warm butter, fragrant herbs, and the promise of a good time. Delight in exquisite crepes, homemade quiches, flaky salmon croissants, perfectly cooked filet mignon, and herbaceous salads — all crafted with exceptional skill. The secret? Time-honored family recipes passed down through generations, infused with boundless love. Although the local produce may differ, the spirit of Paris 66 prevails — using hyper-local, fresh ingredients with a touch of simple French flair. Oui, oui!”
“In 1974, Youssef (Joe) and Jocelyne Chahine arrived in Pittsburgh for a romantic honeymoon, unaware of the unforeseen twist awaiting them. Their native Lebanon was engulfed in civil war, forcing them to extend their visas and seek political asylum. Joe joined his brother George at Chahine’s Bakery, where he toiled with a shovel and a small brick oven for a meager $3 per hour. Eventually, Joe bought the business from his brother, securing a small business loan and acquiring new equipment. And just like that, Pitaland was born. Starting with the humble pita bread of his childhood, Joe expanded his offerings over time. In 1990, the Chahines purchased the building that now houses Pitaland. Chahine ramped up the huge cultural shift between Pittsburgh to Lebanon with good food, flavors, and spices from his homeland. Pittsburgh gave the Chahine’s refuge, and in return, they gave the city its first authentic taste of Lebanon.”
“OZ Collaborative is a design firm headquartered in West Philadelphia. Born in Bogota, Colombia, owner Rich Olaya’s multi-ethnic background gives him a unique perspective for creating urban, architectural, and interior designs that are both unabashedly contemporary and deeply rooted in their context…”
“’We’ve owned our stand for eight years,’ says Godfrey of himself and his wife, Dorothy Dulo. ‘When we first acquired it, we were selling Amish food,’ Godfrey recalls. ‘In the spring of 2006, we transferred to African food.’ Godfrey knows his culinary stuff. He hails from Uganda; his wife is from Kenya. That has motivated the Lancaster couple to run the Rafiki Africa Foundation, a non-profit group which helps women and children through various empowerment, education and health-centered programs. So Roger and Dorothy not only sell good food, they are involved in good works. Their dedication to the foundation has led to Godfrey and Dulo’s involvement in growing a school in western Kenya. That will guide young people toward economic and social independence. In the meantime, Godfrey is keeping busy at Central Market, where the Rafiki stand is open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.”
