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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, From the founding of our country onward, generations |
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of immigrants have come to the United States in hopes of realizing |
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the promise of the American dream; and |
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WHEREAS, In 2015, immigrants of all statuses accounted for |
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20.6 percent of the Texas labor force; many of those individuals |
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have greatly benefited the state economy as small business owners |
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and entrepreneurs--9.4 percent of immigrants in Texas are |
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self-employed, compared to just 5.8 percent of the native-born |
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population--while more still have played an essential role in a |
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wide range of industries, especially education, health care, and |
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social-assistance services; and |
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WHEREAS, Immigrants residing in Texas earned an estimated |
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$119 billion in wage, salary, and self-employment income in 2015, |
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and undocumented immigrants in the state pay approximately $1.5 |
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billion in state and local taxes each year; and |
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WHEREAS, A dynamic and diverse workforce is vital to the |
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prosperity of the Lone Star State, and it is indeed fitting that |
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immigrants be recognized for their innumerable contributions to the |
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Texas economy; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor the economic contributions made by |
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immigrants to the Lone Star State. |