The Hispanic Institute announced Friday that it will begin a major U.S. Department of Commerce study of the labor supply and immigrant workforce.

"For too long, the debate about the effects of immigration on the U.S. labor market has been influenced by anecdotal information, conducted by hyperbolic talk-show hosts and pandering politicians," said Gus West, president and board chair of The Hispanic Institute, in a statement. "The time has come for responsible parties to look at the facts."