(FORTUNE Magazine) – To get a glimpse of regional economic growth, see where foreigners intend to settle. Beginning in October, a new law will allow 700,000 legal immigrants to enter the U.S. annually, up from 560,000 in 1990. The Census Bureau predicts California will gain over 1.8 million foreigners in the coming decade, followed by New York, Texas, Illinois, and Florida. In 1988, 36% of male immigrants lacked a high school education, compared with 15% for other American men, according to economist George Borjas of the University of California at San Diego. But poorly educated workers take jobs most Americans won't, such as tending produce in California. And under the new law, some 50,000 more skilled workers will be allowed in every year. While Borjas finds that immigrants are slightly more likely than natives to go on welfare, the latest figures show that less than 10% wind up there. A.J.M.