Immigration is the process of moving to a new country with the intention of permanently settling there. People immigrate to improve their economic opportunities, living conditions, and quality of life. Each country has its own rules and regulations that govern how people can legally immigrate. It is also common for individuals to immigrate illegally, which can be dangerous and have negative consequences.
The number of immigrants in the United States has risen rapidly since 1970. Today, immigrants comprise nearly 14 percent of the population, and their children make up about a third of all Americans. Immigration is a crucial part of our economy, and it can have positive or negative effects on local communities.
Many people have misconceptions about immigrants, such as the belief that they depress wages and take jobs from Americans. This is why it is important to educate the public about the facts regarding immigration. This article will highlight some of the most important facts about immigrants, including their contributions to the economy and how they are different from native-born citizens.
Most immigrants are employed, and about half work full time. They are concentrated at both ends of the education spectrum, with about a third having a college degree or more and about a fourth having less than a high school diploma. About half of working immigrants are self-employed or the owners of small businesses.
When asked to name the biggest concerns facing them and their families, about three-quarters of immigrants named financial issues. These included paying bills and making ends meet, compared with other concerns such as health and medical issues, safety, and school and workplace concerns. Several in ten immigrants cited escaping unsafe conditions as a major reason for coming to the United States.
Immigrants are an essential part of the economy, and their contributions have been growing over time. The number of immigrants is not linked to the unemployment rate, and there is no evidence that immigrants depress average wages or compete directly with American workers for jobs. Immigration has also boosted GDP growth by adding workers and raising productivity. Immigrants mainly supplement American workers in industries and sectors where there are bottlenecks or shortages that would otherwise slow growth.
It is important to understand the realities of the immigrant experience, and this report does so through a broad range of data and research. It aims to foster bigger, more nuanced conversations about the American dream of immigration that pay attention to the unique situations of migrants who come from all over the world and have a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances. It also focuses on understanding the paths that open or close for migrants, with a particular eye toward how they are affected by societal and governmental support. These conversations can lead to better policy that is more reflective of the reality of how migrants actually live and their needs. Ultimately, the goal is to help all Americans realize that immigrant stories deserve to be told in all their complexity and glory.