Immigration is a vital component of the economy, yet it’s also one of the most controversial issues in politics. Many myths surround the topic, including the idea that immigrants steal jobs from Americans, collect an excessive amount of government benefits and are generally a drain on the economy. These myths must be debunked in order to create a more hospitable environment for immigrants, who are a critical part of the American society.
Immigrants make a positive contribution to their host countries through remittances, investments and business creation. These efforts help to maintain and improve the living standards of their families, communities and nations of origin. These contributions also support foreign policy goals, including economic development and poverty alleviation.
Many immigrants are highly skilled and contribute to a wide range of industries. They pay billions in taxes, fill low-wage jobs that keep domestic industry competitive and revitalize struggling communities. They are also less likely to need public assistance than comparable low income natives. This helps to reduce the strain on public programs and overall tax burden.
The United States has a higher population of immigrants than any other country in the world, making it an extremely diverse nation. This diversity is a great asset that promotes a culture of tolerance and understanding of different cultures. As a result, America is home to some of the most unique foods, music and art in the world. It is no wonder that people from all over the globe are drawn to the nation to live, work and play.
Despite the positive impacts of immigration, many states still have restrictive policies that limit their ability to attract and retain immigrants. Some of these laws are based on fears about cultural differences and the alleged negative effects of immigration on American culture. These misunderstandings are unfortunate, as they limit the opportunity for America to benefit from the talent and hard work of its immigrant population.
For example, in California, 39 percent of respondents to a Field Poll agreed that illegal immigrants are “taking jobs away from Californians.” However, according to a study conducted by the Institute of Labor Studies in 1984, high-skilled immigrants increase employment opportunities for Americans in their fields and do not compete with American workers in language or culture-dependent occupations. In fact, the highest job growth in America in the 1980s came from new hires of all types, including those with non-English speaking backgrounds.
In addition, a number of research studies from the Rand Corporation and University of Maryland, as well as the Council of Economic Advisors and the Urban Institute, show that immigration is beneficial for the United States economy in general. It increases competition in domestic markets, lowers the cost of wages and raises productivity in the economy as a whole. Moreover, it lowers the average age of American retirees, thus reducing the burden on taxpayers. As the baby boomers continue to move into retirement, this is an important consideration.