May 19, 2008, 12:42PM
Study: Loss of illegal immigrants would cripple economy


By JENALIA MORENO
Houston Chronicle Copyright 2008
Eliminating illegal immigrants would cripple the national economy, according to a study backed by Houston business leaders.

Kicking immigrant restaurant employees, landscapers and other workers out of the country would cost nearly $1.8 trillion in annual spending and 8.1 million jobs, the study by the Perryman Group said.

Texas would be the second-hardest hit state after California if the state's 1.2 million undocumented workers disappeared, the study said, removing $220.7 billion in spending within the Lone Star State.

The study was released Monday by the Americans for Immigration Reform, a group spearheaded by the Greater Houston Partnership.

The group hopes to convince politicians and the public that the nation's immigration laws must be changed. It plans to raise $12 million by December to campaign for immigration reform and so far has raised about 10 percent of that goal in pledges.

jenalia.moreno@chron.com
Priority: Normal





http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/5789885.html