New Coalition to Highlight Immigrants’ Role in State Economy

BOSTON (AP) — Business leaders are launching a new coalition aimed at making the most of immigration to power the Massachusetts economy.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Edward Markey and the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition are scheduled to meet with representatives of some of the state’s top business sectors Monday to launch the Massachusetts Business Coalition on Immigration.

Thomas O’Brien is managing partner of HYM Investment Group, which is hosting the launch. He says immigrants are vital to the economy in technology, health care, construction, hospitality and other industries.

MIRA executive director Eva Milona says one in five workers in Massachusetts is foreign-born.

O’Brien says the new coalition is an attempt to counter what he calls Washington’s “xenophobic agenda” and ensure Boston remains a global innovation hub.