WASHINGTON, DC (Dec. 7, 2007) - Today, the Hispanic Institute (THI) announced that it has embarked upon a major study of labor supply in relation to the immigrant workforce.

With a grant of $750,000, the Hispanic Institute is working under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration.

"For too long, the debate about the effects of immigration on the U.S. labor market has been influenced by anecdotal information and conducted by hyperbolic talk-show hosts and pandering politicians," THI's Board Chair, Gus West, said in a recent interview. "The time has come for responsible parties to look at the facts and base their arguments on legitimate research. If THI can provide the basis for a rational discussion then we will have gone a long way in fulfilling our mission."

The study will continue through 2009, during which time the Institute will do the following

• Develop a clearinghouse of existing research and analysis
• Analyze economic development challenges and opportunities
• Identify migration patterns and analyze their impact on industry labor needs
• Survey industries to identify labor needs for one, three and five years out
• Generate employment forecasts for targeted regions and industries
• Analyze any correlations, themes and patterns within the data
• Bridge data gaps through targeted research, analysis and surveys
• Publish its findings

The Institute will achieve its goal of bringing clarity to workforce and industry issues through reasoned analysis of credible and significant data sources in the areas of: industry trends, migration patterns and labor forecasting. The study will provide the basis for informed debate and the development of fact-based public policy.

The Institute intends to devote three years and more than $2 million to studying this issue, its various contributing factors, and their combined impact on the national economy.

The Hispanic Institute is a nonprofit organization formed in 2005. THI's mission is to provide an effective educational forum for an informed and empowered Hispanic America.

www.thehispanicinstitute.net

CONTACT:

Gus West

President

The Hispanic Institute

906 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20003

Tel: 202-544-8284

Email: guswest@thehispanicinstitute.net

Web: www.thehispanicinstitute.net