Myth 1: Immigrants Take Away Jobs from Americans
Fact
The belief that immigrants take away jobs from American citizens is a common misconception. Studies have consistently shown that immigrants, especially those who are unauthorized, tend to work in sectors where there is a labor shortage. They often fill jobs that native-born Americans might not be interested in due to low wages or difficult working conditions. Additionally, immigrants start businesses at a higher rate than the native-born population, which creates jobs and stimulates economic growth.
Example
A report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that “immigrants are less likely than the native-born to occupy the same types of jobs and to compete directly for the same jobs.” Furthermore, a study by the Economic Policy Institute revealed that the number of businesses started by immigrants in the United States is higher than the share of the population that is foreign-born.
Myth 2: Immigrants Cost the Government More Than They Pay in Taxes
Fact
While some immigrants may receive public assistance, the overall fiscal impact of immigration on the U.S. government is positive. Immigrants tend to be younger and of working age, which means they are more likely to pay taxes than to use public benefits. They also contribute to Social Security and Medicare, programs that they may not benefit from until many years in the future.
Example
A report by the National Research Council found that immigrants contribute more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The report also noted that the presence of immigrants leads to an increase in the size of the workforce and an expansion of the tax base, which benefits all taxpayers.
Myth 3: Immigrants Commit More Crimes
Fact
The notion that immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants, are more likely to commit crimes is unfounded. Studies have shown that immigrants are less likely to be incarcerated than native-born Americans. Immigrants are more likely to be victims of crime rather than perpetrators.
Example
The American Immigration Council reports that “the overall rate of criminal conviction among immigrants is lower than that among the native-born.” Additionally, a study by the Pew Research Center found that immigrants are less likely to be incarcerated for violent crimes.
Myth 4: Immigrants Do Not Contribute to American Culture
Fact
Immigrants have been a vital part of American culture since the country’s founding. They bring with them diverse languages, traditions, and customs that enrich the cultural fabric of the nation. The United States is known for its cultural diversity, which is a direct result of immigration.
Example
The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History has an entire exhibit dedicated to immigration, showcasing how immigrants have contributed to various aspects of American culture, including music, art, literature, and cuisine.
Myth 5: Illegal Immigration Is a Major Problem in the United States
Fact
While illegal immigration is a concern for some, it represents a small fraction of the total immigrant population in the United States. The majority of immigrants enter the country legally through family reunification, employment, or education-based immigration programs.
Example
According to the Migration Policy Institute, approximately 11.7 million unauthorized immigrants lived in the United States as of 2019. This represents a fraction of the total U.S. population, which was estimated to be around 330 million at that time.
Myth 6: Immigrants Are Uneducated
Fact
The misconception that immigrants are uneducated is false. While some immigrants may arrive in the United States with limited formal education, many have received advanced degrees from their home countries. In the United States, immigrants often pursue further education to improve their job prospects.
Example
The Pew Research Center reports that 28% of immigrants in the United States have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 21% of the native-born population. Additionally, a study by the Migration Policy Institute found that immigrants are more likely to attend college than their native-born counterparts.
Myth 7: Immigrants Cannot Speak English
Fact
While some immigrants may arrive in the United States without proficiency in English, the majority are bilingual or multilingual. Over time, many immigrants learn English and contribute to the linguistic diversity of the nation.
Example
A report by the Migration Policy Institute found that 75% of immigrants who arrived in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s spoke a language other than English at home. However, 70% of those same immigrants reported speaking English proficiently or very well.
Myth 8: Immigrants Are a Burden on Public Services
Fact
Immigrants do use public services, but they also contribute to the funding of those services through taxes. The overall burden on public services is relatively low, and immigrants tend to be less likely to use costly services such as long-term care or nursing home care.
Example
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine reported that immigrants have a lower use of costly public services than the native-born population. The report also noted that immigrants’ use of public services is more closely linked to their education and income levels than to their immigration status.
Myth 9: Immigrants Are Not Integrating into American Society
Fact
Immigrants are actively integrating into American society. They learn English, participate in civic activities, and often maintain cultural ties to their countries of origin. Integration is a dynamic process that can take several generations but is ongoing for many immigrants.
Example
A report by the Migration Policy Institute found that “immigrants are integrating into American society in many ways, including through social networks, education, and civic engagement.” The report also noted that immigrants are increasingly becoming part of the civic and political life of the United States.
Myth 10: America Should Reduce Immigration to Solve Its Problems
Fact
Immigration is an essential component of the American economy and society. Reducing immigration would have negative consequences for the economy, labor markets, and cultural diversity. America has a long history of welcoming immigrants, and this tradition has been a key factor in the country’s growth and prosperity.
Example
The Council on Foreign Relations reports that “immigration has been a major driver of U.S. economic growth, job creation, and innovation.” Reducing immigration would likely have a detrimental impact on these areas, as immigrants often fill gaps in the labor market and contribute to technological advancements.