The vast majority of immigrants surveyed say they came to the United States for economic opportunities, for better educational and job prospects for their children, or to improve their own living standards. Smaller but still sizeable shares cited other reasons such as wanting to join family members in the US or escaping unsafe or violent conditions in their home countries.
Regardless of their motivations, most migrants have a strong work ethic and are willing to work hard to make a life for themselves and their families. As a result, they contribute to their communities by filling jobs that native-born Americans are not interested in or unable to do, such as farmwork, domestic and industrial labor, or caring for elderly relatives. This helps to increase overall economic productivity.
Immigrants also bring unique skills, perspectives and ideas to the nation that can boost innovation, fuel industry and drive progress. For example, many agricultural innovations in the US have been attributed to the work of immigrants. This is especially true for specialty crops like horticulture and aquaculture, where workers have needed to develop the right combinations of genetics, pest control and cultivation methods.
In addition, immigration can help to bridge the gap between agricultural production and consumption, where there is often a shortage of labor. This is especially true for high-value crops like fruits and vegetables, which require specialized training that can take time to acquire. In addition, immigrants can be instrumental in improving food safety and reducing production costs through innovative practices, such as processing and packaging.
America is a nation of immigrants, and almost all Americans today either immigrated themselves or are descended from those who did so in the past. This is not just a cliche; it is a fundamental part of American history and our culture.
The current rate of net migration to the US – both legal and illegal – is modest in comparison to historical averages and other countries. And while some people who live in the United States have a negative view of immigration, others overwhelmingly say that it has been good for their community and the country.
In fact, most Americans agree that the US is a more diverse and tolerant nation because of its long history of welcoming newcomers from around the world. However, there is a growing divide over whether the benefits of immigration outweigh the negative effects. As a result, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of immigration policy in the US. And this uncertainty has had real-world consequences for some immigrant families. Some parents have told us that they are limiting their family activities and vacations because of increased fears of deportation or other family repercussions. This can put financial strain on families, and may even lead to more isolation and reduced social interaction for the entire family. This can have lasting effects on the mental and physical health of children in those households. It is a critical issue that deserves careful consideration and thoughtful debate.