Understanding West Virginia’s Immigration Policies and Services

West Virginia, a state known for its mountainous terrain and rich cultural heritage, has a relatively small but growing immigrant population. This article delves into the state’s immigration policies, demographic trends, and available resources, providing a comprehensive overview for residents and policymakers alike.

Demographics and Population Data

As of 2024, West Virginia’s population stands at approximately 1.775 million residents. Of this, about 37,000 individuals, or 2.1%, are foreign-born. This marks an increase from 25,000 in 2014, indicating a gradual rise in immigration to the state. (usafacts.org)

Ethnic Composition:

White alone: 93.1%
Black or African American alone: 3.7%
Asian alone: 0.9%
Hispanic or Latino: 1.9%

These figures highlight the state’s predominantly White demographic, with growing diversity due to immigration. (digital.lib.washington.edu)

Economic Contributions of Immigrants

Immigrants play a vital role in West Virginia’s economy, contributing significantly across various sectors:

Educational Services: 3,422 workers
Health Care and Social Assistance: 2,924 workers
Retail Trade: 1,633 workers
Accommodation and Food Services: 1,612 workers
Manufacturing: 1,092 workers

Additionally, immigrant business owners account for 2% of all self-employed residents in the state. (immigrationforum.org)

State Laws, Regulations, and Policies

West Virginia has implemented several measures to address immigration enforcement:

287(g) Program Participation: In August 2025, the state signed agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to allow designated local officers to perform certain immigration officer functions under ICE’s direction. This partnership aims to enhance the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws within the state. (governor.wv.gov)
Executive Orders: Governor Patrick Morrisey has issued executive orders directing state agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, State Police, and Division of Corrections, to fully cooperate with ICE and other federal law enforcement agencies in immigration enforcement efforts. (governor.wv.gov)

Local Resources and Contacts

For immigrants seeking assistance in West Virginia, several resources are available:

Refugee Resettlement Services: The Bureau for Family Assistance provides cash, medical, and social/employment services to qualifying individuals and families who are refugees. These services are similar to WV WORKS and Medicaid. (bfa.wv.gov)
Catholic Community Charities: Through a contract with the West Virginia Office of Migration and Refugee Services, Catholic Community Charities offers support to refugees, including social services and assistance with resettlement.
Local Department of Human Services (DoHS) Offices: These offices can provide information and assistance related to immigration services. A list of all county offices is available on the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources website.

Geographic and Regional Context

West Virginia’s location in the Appalachian region influences its immigration patterns. While the state is geographically distant from major international borders, it has experienced an increase in immigrant populations, particularly from countries such as Mexico, China, India, the Philippines, and Germany. (immigrationforum.org)

Comparisons with National Averages

When compared to national averages, West Virginia’s immigrant population is relatively small. Nationally, immigrants constitute approximately 14.8% of the U.S. population, whereas in West Virginia, they make up about 2.1%. (usafacts.org)

Conclusion

Immigrants in West Virginia, though a small percentage of the state’s population, make significant contributions to its economy and cultural diversity. State policies have evolved to address immigration enforcement, and various resources are available to support immigrant communities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering inclusive and effective immigration policies in the state.