A University of Minnesota research report shows the future strength of Minnesota’s economy depends on attracting and integrating international immigrants into its workforce. Bill Blazar with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce admits immigration is a hot-button political topic, but there is simply no getting around what this research highlights. He says in order to meet workforce needs across the state:

Minnesota will need to attract about four-and-a-half times the number of new residents it currently attracts to maintain a 0.5 percent average annual growth in labor force.