This fact sheet provides evidence-based responses to common misconceptions about immigrants in the United States. These rebuttals are meant to combat harmful rhetoric and highlight the true impact of immigrants on American society.
Use this GPT Tool to debunk any myths or lies: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-TnivJg3YT-immigration-myth-buster
Myth 1: “Immigrants Steal American Jobs”
Reality: Immigrants contribute to job creation, not job loss. Many immigrants start businesses, creating employment opportunities for both U.S.-born citizens and immigrants alike. In fact, immigrants or their children have founded 45% of Fortune 500 companies. These companies employ millions of workers and add billions to the U.S. economy.
Source: New American Economy
https://www.newamericaneconomy.org/issues/entrepreneurship/
Myth 2: “Immigrants Are a Burden on Public Resources”
Reality: Immigrants, including undocumented ones, contribute billions of dollars in taxes annually, often receiving fewer benefits than U.S.-born citizens. Undocumented immigrants alone contribute $11.7 billion in state and local taxes every year. Moreover, immigrants help fund public services like schools and healthcare.
Source: Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP)
https://itep.org/undocumented-immigrants-state-local-tax-contributions/
Myth 3: “Immigrants Increase Crime Rates”
Reality: Numerous studies show that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens. A 2017 study found that crime rates were lower in areas with higher immigrant populations. Immigrants bring diversity and contribute to safer, more harmonious communities.
Source: The National Institute of Justice
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/undocumented-immigrant-offending-rate-lower-us-born-citizen-rate
Myth 4: “Immigrants Don’t Pay Taxes”
Reality: Immigrants contribute significantly to the tax system. For example, in 2019, immigrants contributed $492.4 billion in taxes, including federal, state, and local taxes. They also help to offset demographic challenges by contributing to programs like Social Security and Medicare, even when they aren’t eligible for benefits.
Source: American Immigration Council
https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/immigrants-in-the-united-states
Myth 5: “Illegal Immigration Is Out of Control”
Reality: The number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. has been declining for over a decade. Additionally, many undocumented immigrants have lived in the U.S. for years, contributing to the economy and society. Improved border security and changing migration patterns have reduced new arrivals.
Source: Pew Research Center
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/04/21/key-findings-about-u-s-immigrants/
Myth 6: “Asylum Seekers Are Just Trying to Game the System”
Reality: Seeking asylum is a legal right under U.S. and international law. Asylum seekers flee violence, persecution, and extreme hardship in their home countries, often risking their lives to find safety. Asylum seekers follow strict legal processes, and their cases are thoroughly vetted.
Source: United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/asylum-in-the-us.html
Myth 7: “Immigrants Overwhelm the U.S. Healthcare System”
Reality: Immigrants are essential to the U.S. healthcare system, making up 29% of all physicians and over 22% of nursing assistants. They play a vital role in delivering healthcare services, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: American Immigration Council
https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/immigrants-in-health-care-roles
Myth 8: “We Don’t Need More Immigrants Right Now”
Reality: Immigrants are critical to the growth of the U.S. workforce. They help fill essential roles in healthcare, agriculture, tech, and other key industries. Immigrants complement the American labor force, addressing skill shortages and boosting innovation.
Source: Brookings Institution
https://www.brookings.edu/research/immigration-and-the-u-s-economy/
Sources
- New American Economy
https://www.newamericaneconomy.org/issues/entrepreneurship/ - Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP)
https://itep.org/undocumented-immigrants-state-local-tax-contributions/ - Cato Institute
https://www.cato.org/publications/immigration-research-policy-brief/immigration-crime-what-research-says - American Immigration Council
https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/immigrants-in-the-united-states - Pew Research Center
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/04/21/key-findings-about-u-s-immigrants/ - United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/asylum-in-the-us.html - Brookings Institution
https://www.brookings.edu/research/immigration-and-the-u-s-economy/
This fact sheet empowers advocates and supporters with factual information to challenge common misconceptions and present a more accurate narrative about the positive role of immigrants in the U.S.
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