Mexican Immigrants Lead Entrepreneurial Growth in Edinburg Metro Area

Staff Report

A new study by the American Immigration Council highlights the significant contributions of immigrants, particularly those of Mexican origin, to the Edinburg-McAllen-Mission metro area’s economy. Mexican immigrants account for 61.3% of local business owners, far surpassing their 26.8% share of the population in 2019.

Graphic: American Immigration Council

The report shows that 28,300 immigrant entrepreneurs in the region generated more than $541.7 million in business income in 2019. Immigrants were nearly three times more likely to run businesses than U.S.-born residents, contributing to industries like professional services, construction, and retail. Immigrant-led businesses helped sustain 10,500 local manufacturing jobs.

Graphic: American Immigration Council

In addition to entrepreneurship, immigrants played a key role in the workforce. They made up 34.9% of the area’s working-age population and contributed $7.2 billion to the local GDP. Immigrant households earned $4.6 billion in 2019, contributing over $950 million in taxes and retaining $3.6 billion in spending power.

Graphic: American Immigration Council

The study also noted the contributions of undocumented immigrants, who made up 42.1% of the immigrant population. These individuals contributed $117.9 million in taxes and held $1.2 billion in spending power. Undocumented immigrants, predominantly of Mexican origin, were particularly active in construction and service industries.

While immigrant households contributed to local economies through property ownership and rent payments, many face challenges, including limited access to healthcare. In 2019, 53% of Hidalgo County’s immigrants were uninsured.

The report from the American Immigration Council can be found here.

Source – American Immigration Council