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Indian immigrants make largest positive fiscal contribution to U.S: Report
“The average Indian immigrant and his or her descendants will save the federal government $1.7 million over 30 years,” the report said.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 28, Oct 2025
- 16:05 EDT
- 24
Representative Image / Pew Research Center
Indian immigrants in the United States, many of whom arrive through the H-1B visa program, make the largest positive fiscal contribution to the U.S. economy among all major immigrant groups, according to a new study.
The report, published by the Manhattan Institute and authored by economist Daniel Di Martino, found that each Indian immigrant and their descendants reduce the U.S. national debt by more than $1.7 million over 30 years—primarily through higher tax payments and lower reliance on government assistance.
Also Read: How are Indian Americans changing perspectives in 2025?
The study attributes this strong fiscal impact to high education levels, employment in well-paying fields such as technology and engineering, and a younger average age compared to the U.S. native-born population.
As a result, Indian immigrants contribute significantly more in taxes than they receive in public benefits, strengthening federal finances.
Crazy people on X are bashing Indian immigrants, but my new research published today finds that Indians are the best major country of origin group of immigrants.
— Daniel Di Martino (@DanielDiMartino) October 23, 2025
The average Indian immigrant and his or her descendants will save the federal government $1.7 million over 30 years. pic.twitter.com/I8YdTBtBvU
According to the analysis, Indian immigrants outperform all other major immigrant groups in long-term fiscal contribution. Chinese immigrants reduce the national debt by about $800,000 per person, followed by Filipinos at $600,000.
Colombians and Venezuelans also make positive contributions, lowering the debt by $500,000 and $400,000 respectively.
By contrast, Salvadoran immigrants add about $50,000 to the national debt per person, while Mexicans—the largest immigrant group in the United States—add roughly $10,000 each over the same period.
Economic risks of restricting skilled immigration
The report warns that limiting high-skilled immigration could have serious economic consequences.
Martino’s analysis estimates that eliminating the H-1B program altogether could raise the national debt by $185 billion over 10 years and by $4 trillion over 30 years, while shrinking economic output by $55 billion.
The study notes that the U.S. would lose not only productivity but also the tax revenue generated by these highly skilled workers.
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