Those still looking to point the finger at immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants, for the current economic crisis, should take a peek at a study released yesterday by Adelphi University’s Center for Social Innovation.

Immigrants contribute $10.6 billion a year to Long Island’s economy by increasing productivity, generating new business and paying taxes…While many Long Islanders have said that immigrants drain government resources, the study says they contribute $2,305 more per person in taxes and government fees than they use in schools, health care and law enforcement. It found that spending by immigrants — those who are legal residents as well as those who are undocumented — leads to creation of about 82,000 jobs a year.

Why is looking at Long Island, the suburbs of NYC important?

Suffolk and Nassau Counties in Long Island have been the site of several controversies among immigrant communities and long time, mostly white residents.

These clashes have happened over a variety of issue from day laborers standing in front of Home Depots, to straight up racist hate crimes.

More than half of all immigrants arriving since 2000 are from Latin America. El Salvador contributes by far the most immigrants to Long Island — more than 44,000.

What these immigrants put into the Long Island economy is important porque, according to the study, the immigrants have replaced aging residents of the area who die and others who move away.

What was that again about how bad immigration is for the economy and communities? Sounds like they are saving communities if you ask me.

Via / Hispanic Tips, Newsday