Closing Bell: Immigrant Rich Neighborhoods Lead Economic Growth in Queens

Today, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office released a report saying that the contribution of immigrants to the city’s economy increased by 63 percent from 2000 to 2011 — that’s faster than the contributed growth rate by New York natives, which grew 53 percent. In Queens, immigrants helped revitalize the neighborhoods of Corona, Elmhurst, Flushing and Jackson Heights. The number of businesses in these areas grew by nearly 23 percent (concentrated in small firms), compared to a growth of seven percent in the rest of the city. Kew Gardens saw the biggest growth in payroll during that timeframe. According to the Comptroller, the five occupations with the most immigrant workers are nursing, psychiatric and home health care aides; janitors and building cleaners; maids and housekeepers; taxi drivers and chauffeurs; and construction laborers. Queens also boasts the three most immigrant-heavy neighborhoods in the entire city: Elmhurst/Corona, Jackson Heights, then Sunnyside/Woodside.