3 Dangerous Myths About People in Migration in the U.S….And Why They’re False

3 Dangerous Myths About People in Migration in the U.S….And Why They're False

By Suhra Nahib on September 20, 2024

In recent years, the narrative surrounding immigrants in the United States has often been dominated by fear and misinformation, especially by former President Donald Trump.

Trump paints immigrants as a burden on the economy and society, perpetuating the myth that they take jobs from Americans. But when we take a closer look at the facts, they tell a different story.

Myth 1: Undocumented immigrants take government services without paying

One of the most persistent myths about immigrants is that they consume government services without contributing to the tax base that funds these services. This is far from being true. Immigrants pay billions in taxes annually despite not being eligible for many of those services. A recent study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy revealed that undocumented immigrants pay about $100 billion in taxes annually. This significant sum, which includes federal, state, and local taxes, funds essential public services such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare.

Undocumented immigrants often use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to pay taxes, which in turn fund programs that they cannot access, such as Social Security and Medicare. In 2010, the Social Security Administration estimated that payments from unauthorized workers accounted for $12 billion in tax revenue for Social Security benefits.

Myth 2: Immigrants tTake jobs from hard-working Americans

"They're taking Black jobs, and they're taking Hispanic jobs, and you haven't seen it yet, but you're going to see something that's going to be the worst in our history," Trump recently said of immigrants crossing the U.S. border. This has been the former president's argument since he ran for office in 2015. But what Trump argues is far from reality. This myth that immigrants "steal" jobs from native-born Americans ignores the complex dynamic of the labor market.

In fact, more workers getting jobs and spending money has helped drive economic growth and create more job openings. Just in March, U.S. employers added about 303,000 jobs, demonstrating economic strength.

Not only do immigrants help stimulate the economy, but they often take on jobs that Americans consider less desirable, including ones in the agriculture, construction, education, and health services fields. These positions typically offer lower wages and harsher working conditions, but they are vital to the economy.

Myth 3: Immigrants don't contribute to our economy

The notion that immigrants don't contribute to the U.S. economy is perhaps the most unfounded of all the harmful myths. Immigrants contribute significantly to our economic growth through their labor, consumption, and entrepreneurship. A new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that immigrants are key drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship in the U.S. Immigrants are more likely than native-born citizens to start their own businesses, creating jobs and fueling economic growth.

In fact, according to the National Foundation for American Policy, over half of U.S. startup companies valued at $1 billion or higher were founded by immigrants. These businesses contribute to the economy by providing jobs, driving technological advancements, and improving the country's global competitiveness.

Trump's narrative that immigrants, particularly undocumented ones, are a burden to the U.S. economy is not only inaccurate, but also harmful. It fosters division and xenophobia, undermining the social cohesion that is essential for a healthy and prosperous society. Instead of viewing immigrants as a threat, it is time for us to recognize their invaluable contributions to the country.

By paying taxes, filling critical labor shortages and driving innovation, immigrants are both contributing to our economy and helping to build a more vibrant and dynamic nation.

Image credit: National TPS Alliance

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