Future Houston

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:

Immigration

The Center focuses on the long-term economic importance of immigrants and immigration and their significant contributions to the region’s success.

2019 Study

Looking ahead to Houston’s 200th anniversary in 2036, we developed an economic forecasting tool to analyze how changes in immigration would affect the region’s economy. Our findings confirm that curtailing immigration would significantly depress economic growth.

In addition to the forecasting model, the report also contains:
  • A brief explainer of our current immigration system and how these policies have shaped Houston.
  • An overview of possible local policies that could make the region more welcoming to immigrants. 
  • A profile of the region’s evolving immigrant population, highlighting how Houston’s foreign-born residents are becoming higher-skilled and more integrated into the larger community.
  • Summarized findings from focus groups with regional leaders on the immigration-related challenges and opportunities their respective industries face. 

Panel Discussion