"In Washington State, the immigrant population has grown by 42 percent in the five years between 2000 and 2005 - which is an increase from 8 percent to 10.6 percent of the overall population - and the jobless rate in the state has hit a 6 year low"

This quote by Dave Reichert highlights the favorable effect that immigrants have had on Washington State. In the 5 years between 2000 and 2005, the immigrant population grew by 42 percent, increasing from 8 percent to 10.6 percent of the total population. This growth in the immigrant population has accompanied a 6 year low in the unemployed rate in the state. This suggests that the influx of immigrants has had a favorable impact on the economy of Washington State, providing more jobs and helping to decrease the unemployed rate. The quote also highlights the value of immigrants in the state, as they now make up a significant part of the population. This suggests that Washington State is ending up being progressively diverse and inviting to immigrants.