Myth 1: Immigrants Take Jobs Away from U.S. Citizens
- Reality: Numerous studies have shown that immigrants often fill essential roles in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, construction, and technology—jobs that are in high demand but have a shortage of native-born workers. Immigrants also create jobs by starting businesses and contributing to economic growth.
Myth 2: Immigrants Don’t Pay Taxes
- Reality: Immigrants, including undocumented ones, pay billions in taxes every year. They pay income, property, sales, and payroll taxes, contributing significantly to federal, state, and local budgets. The Social Security Administration estimates that undocumented immigrants contribute billions annually to Social Security, though they are not eligible to collect benefits.
Myth 3: Immigrants Are a Drain on Public Benefits
- Reality: Most immigrants are ineligible for federal public benefits like Social Security, Medicaid, or food stamps until they have been in the country for five years or more as lawful permanent residents. Even then, immigrants use these benefits at lower rates than native-born citizens. Many immigrants pay taxes that support public programs but are unable to benefit from them.
Myth 4: Most Immigrants Are Here Illegally
- Reality: The majority of immigrants in the United States are here legally, either as naturalized citizens, Green Card holders (lawful permanent residents), or on temporary visas. Undocumented immigrants represent a minority of the total immigrant population.
Myth 5: Immigrants Don’t Want to Learn English
- Reality: Most immigrants are eager to learn English to improve their job prospects, integrate better into their communities, and help their children succeed in school. English language courses across the country often have long waitlists, demonstrating the high demand among immigrant populations. If you’ve ever tried to learn a second language, put yourself in their shoes for a minute. English is hard!
Myth 6: Immigrants Commit More Crimes
- Reality: Research consistently shows immigrants, both documented and undocumented, are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. Higher levels of immigration are associated with lower crime rates. Immigrants often have a vested interest in staying out of trouble to avoid jeopardizing their immigration status.
Myth 7: Immigrants Don’t Assimilate into American Society
- Reality: Immigrants integrate into American society over time through language, civic participation, and cultural contributions. Second- and third-generation immigrants often blend seamlessly into American culture while maintaining a connection to their heritage, just as many immigrant groups have done throughout U.S. history.
Myth 8: Refugees and Asylum Seekers Are a Security Threat
- Reality: Refugees and asylum seekers undergo rigorous vetting processes before being allowed to enter the United States. The U.S. has one of the most thorough refugee screening processes in the world, involving multiple government agencies and extensive background checks, often taking years to complete. There is no evidence that refugees pose a greater security threat than other groups.
Myth 9: Undocumented Immigrants Can Easily Become Legal Residents If They Want To and Should just “Get in Line”
- Reality: The path to legal residency is extremely complicated, expensive, and often unavailable as an option for many undocumented immigrants. There is no “line” for most undocumented immigrants to join, and many face barriers due to lengthy backlogs, limited visa categories, and stringent eligibility requirements.
Myth 10: Building a Border Wall Will Stop Illegal Immigration
- Reality: A significant portion of undocumented immigrants did not cross the border illegally; they overstayed visas after entering the U.S. legally. Moreover, many who attempt to cross the border do so out of desperation, fleeing violence or seeking family reunification. Addressing the root causes of migration, such as economic instability and violence in their home countries, would be a more effective approach.
Conclusion
These myths often stem from misunderstandings, misinformation, or lack of exposure to the immigrant experience. Dispelling these myths is crucial to fostering a more informed and compassionate discussion about immigration policy in the United States. A nuanced understanding of immigration helps to create fair and effective policies that reflect the values and needs of the nation. At The Law Office of Jesse K Sanchez, we believe NO person is illegal and the American Dream should be available to everyone. We welcome everyone. If you have questions about your immigration status or a case, call our attorneys at (317) 721-9858 or visit our website to get started today!
