Immigrants were responsible for more than a quarter of all new U.S. businesses started last year and are increasingly likely to start a business, even as the rate of native-born Americans starting businesses declines.

That’s the conclusion of a new report released Tuesday by the Partnership for a New American Economy, a national, bipartisan group of mayors and business leaders who support immigration reforms to create jobs.

The group’s report also said that immigrant-owned businesses collectively generated more than $775 billion in revenue, $100 million in income, and employed one out of every ten people working for private companies last year.

Locally, the Greater Des Moines Partnership is sponsoring a forum Aug. 20 on Midwest business interests’ in immigration policy reform at the Partnership’s office, 700 Locust St. The deadline to register for the lunch forum is Thursday.

Tamar Jacoby, a journalist, author and CEO of Immigration Works USA, a national federation of small business owners working to advance better immigration law, will speak. Former Gov. Chet Culver will moderate the discussion. Jacoby’s group is seeking 500 Midwestern leaders who support immigration reform.

The event, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., includes lunch. Register by tomorrow at www.desmoinesmetro.com/events/