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A new census report shows 1 out of every 12 Utahns was not born in this country. They are coming for Utah's economy, religion, universities or as refugees. Nearly half of the immigrants are from Mexico. KSL Newsradio's Mary Richards has details for Utah's Morning News.
The 2007 American Community Survey data released Thursday shows immigrants tend to have more children, less education, lower incomes and receive more food stamps but less cash welfare assistance than other Utahns.
Their employment rate is about the same, but they tend to work more blue-collar jobs.
University of Utah research economist Pam Perlich told the Deseret News that immigrants should not be stereotyped. She points out that many of Utah's medical scientists are foreign-born, including the university's Nobel Prize winner Dr. Mario Capecchi.
Researchers say the data shows a shift; 117 languages are spoken in the homes of Utah children. The report shows one-third of Utah's preschool children are minorities.
The Deseret News says the data estimates that 63 percent of Utah's immigrants were born in Latin America; 17 percent in Asia; 11 percent in Europe; 3 percent from Canada; 3 percent from Pacific islands; and 2 percent from Africa.
