'Sleeping giant'

Study shows Latino immigrants contribute billions to Nevada economy

By Vince Keenan

Despite being a pillar of Nevada commerce, many Hispanic immigrants in the work force get shortchanged.

That's the message woven into an economic impact report requested by a state nonprofit group that champions progressive change. The report, released this week, says both documented and undocumented immigrant Hispanics pour billions into the public and private sectors, yet many see little in return.

That's especially the case with unauthorized migrants, the report says. It says food stamps, Social Security, comprehensive Medicaid and Medicare and housing are among federal programs they can't partake in, despite stereotypes arguing otherwise.

"Too many ill-informed people think non-citizen Hispanic immigrants come to the U.S. for government handouts," says Adrian Mendoza, president of the local Hispanics in Politics and state director for Election Protection of Nevada.

The report states that while holding a total of 152,635 jobs, undocumented and documented Hispanics added $19.7 billion to the state's economy in 2000, more than one-fourth of Nevada's gross product. Most jobs were in gaming, construction and retail, industries that provide strong economic glue, says Bob Fulkerson, state director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, which requested the analysis.

The study also says the 152,635 workers paid $2.91 billion in taxes in 2001, with $1.82 billion going to Uncle Sam and about $1.1 billion going to state and local government. Key findings add that the workers are typically paid below the state average "due to the jobs they hold, employment discrimination and the powerlessness of immigrants in the labor market, especially if they are undocumented."

The analysis was conducted by the Chicago-based Center on Work and Community Development. It used 2000 Census data and 2002 survey data from the Center for Business and Economic Research at UNLV.

The report also proposes some solutions. For example, PLAN, which made the recommendations and infused commentary, backs a state ballot proposition to boost the minimum wage by $1 (to $6.15) per hour.

Additionally, PLAN urges policy makers and community leaders to support citizenship programs "to bring immigrants fully into our democracy."

"There are waiting lists right now of immigrants who want to become U.S. citizens, but they have to pass a test," says Fulkerson, who estimated thousands currently await the exam. "There are not enough classes to help them pass the test."

The root cause of the problem is immigration law, which makes it difficult to obtain citizenship, says Mendoza. One way to change that is by voting. "The Hispanics who are currently registered need to turn out," he says. "They need to be the voice of their population."

Fulkerson similarly stressed mobilization. "Part of it is the fact that the Hispanic population is still a sleeping giant in Nevada," says Fulkerson, whose group publicized the study at a press conference Monday in Reno. "The Hispanic population is roughly one-quarter of the state, but only 9 percent are registered to vote, and out of that, in 2002 only 4 percent turned out at the polls. Politicians are not going to listen to a weak constituency."

PLAN also calls for passage of federal legislation that would enhance opportunities for high school graduates whose parents lack immigration status. The proposed Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act, would help college-bound students qualify for subsidized in-state tuition. Another component of the bill, whose House version is the Student Adjustment Act, would allow certain immigrants to apply for legal residency to enhance their employment prospects.

Some opponents argue the measure would reward the violation of immigration laws. Still, Fulkerson is upbeat about the bill. "It probably will pass," he says. "It`s looking real good."

Three members of Nevada's congressional delegation are co-sponsoring the bill: Sen. Harry Reid and Rep. Shelley Berkley, both Democrats, and Republican Rep. Jim Gibbons. The two other members of Nevada's delegation, Rep. Jon Porter and Sen. John Ensign, both Republicans, are not co-sponsors. Neither could be reached for comment.

Porter belongs to a panel handling the measure. He is "talking to the [House Education and the Workforce] Committee and he's interesting in learning more about it," said Porter press secretary Adam R. Mayberry.