U.S. immigration has been a hotly debated topic for decades, often clouded by misinformation and politically charged rhetoric. Many common immigration myths persist, shaping public perception and influencing policy decisions. But what does the data say? Are immigrants truly overburdening the system? Do they take more than they contribute? Are they responsible for rising crime rates? The truth is often far from the myths that dominate discussions.
Immigration is important in shaping America’s economy, workforce, and cultural landscape. Yet, widespread myths fuel misconceptions about everything from job competition to public benefits. The idea that immigrants don’t pay taxes, commit more crimes, or negatively impact American workers is misleading. And also counterproductive.
Comprehensive immigration reform has eluded Congress for decades. Leaving policy decisions largely in the hands of the executive branch and the courts. The result? A complex and often misunderstood system that fuels misinformation. At Queens Immigration Attorney, we rely on factual data. Separating myths from reality and fostering informed discussions on this important issue.
key statistics:
- CBP processes nearly 2.5 million border apprehensions yearly.
- Immigrants comprise 13.9% of the U.S. population, totaling approximately 46 million.
- The undocumented immigrant population stands at an estimated 11 million.
- Immigrants comprise 18.6% of the U.S. civilian workforce, a steady increase from past years.
- Undocumented immigrants contribute billions in taxes while receiving no federal Social Security benefits.
- FBI data confirms that immigrants have lower crime rates than native-born Americans.
- U.S. immigration courts have a record backlog of nearly 2.8 million cases.
Common Immigration Myths of “the Broken Immigration System”
The phrase “broken immigration system” is commonly used in political debates and media coverage. However, this characterization oversimplifies a far more intricate reality. Rather than being entirely dysfunctional, the U.S. immigration system is an elaborate framework. It is shaped by decades of legal provisions, policy shifts, and administrative bottlenecks.
While inefficiencies exist, they are largely the result of outdated laws, congressional gridlock, and the sheer scale of immigration processing.
Immigration Backlogs and Bureaucratic Inefficiencies
One of the biggest factors contributing to frustration with the U.S. immigration system is the extensive backlog of visa applications. As of late 2023, more than 4 million applicants were waiting for family- and employment-based immigrant visas.
The overwhelming caseload has stretched resources thin, delaying hearings for asylum seekers and other applicants for years. As opposed to common immigration myths, the system does function. However, the bureaucratic inefficiencies caused by these backlogs create the perception of stagnation and disorder.
Congress & Immigration Policies
The last significant legislative overhaul occurred in 1986 under President Ronald Reagan. A pathway to legal residency was granted to nearly 3 million undocumented immigrants. Since then, Congress has repeatedly disagreed on comprehensive immigration reform.
Leaving crucial decisions to the executive branch. Frequent shifts in immigration policy from one administration to the next contribute to public confusion and reinforce the idea of a system in disarray
Misconceptions About Border Control
Media coverage often portrays the U.S.-Mexico border as being overwhelmed by uncontrolled migration. While it is true that border encounters have reached record highs in recent years. The notion that the government is not enforcing immigration laws is inaccurate. In FY 2023, Customs and Border Protection apprehended nearly 2.5 million individuals attempting to cross the southern border. This demonstrates that enforcement is still a priority.
The Influence of State and Local Policies
Sanctuary cities limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This has fueled the perception that enforcement is inconsistent. However, sanctuary policies do not override federal law. Local police in these jurisdictions may not actively assist in immigration enforcement. However, the Department of Homeland Security still has the authority to detain and deport individuals violating immigration laws.
Do Undocumented Immigrants Drain U.S. Social Services?
Common immigration myths suggest that undocumented immigrants place an overwhelming financial burden on U.S. social services. Critics argue that they consume more resources than they contribute. Straining public benefits programs such as Medicaid, Social Security, and food assistance.
How Undocumented Immigrants Pay Taxes
Undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to federal, state, and local tax revenues. Many use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to file tax returns and pay income taxes. Although they are not eligible for most tax credits or refunds.
Those who rent or own homes also contribute to property taxes. Helping to support public schools, infrastructure, and emergency services. Studies have shown that undocumented immigrants contribute billions annually in state and local taxes. Their tax contributions far exceed the public benefits they receive. Countering some common immigration myths that they do not pay their fair share.
Want the full picture? Discover how immigrants contribute billions to U.S. taxes here.
Public Benefit Eligibility
There are some federally mandated benefits Undocumented immigrants can access, including emergency medical services under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and public education for children. Undocumented Immigrants contribute billions in taxes, help sustain Social Security, and receive fewer public benefits than commonly believed.
Is the U.S. Still the Top Destination for Immigrants?
For decades, the United States has been the primary destination for immigrants. Hosting more foreign-born residents than any other country. However, shifts in global immigration policies and challenges within the U.S. system have led to increasing competition. From other nations, particularly Canada, Australia, and Germany.
Work Opportunities & Family Reunification
The U.S. labor market remains a strong draw. Many immigrant workers are concentrated in certain industries. Such as services (21.8%), transportation and production (15.2%), and construction (13.8%).
The U.S. prioritizes family reunification over employment-based immigration. The issuing of green cards has allowed many families to reconnect. U.S. workforce benefits from immigrant labor. However, the preference for family-based immigration has led to an aging immigrant population.
Green Card and Citizenship Trends
The U.S. continues to naturalize over 700,000 people annually. Making it one of the leading nations for granting citizenship. However, this number faces increasing competition from other countries. Offering faster and more accessible pathways. The U.S. remains a top destination. However, the growing efficiency of other nations’ immigration systems poses a significant challenge to its long-standing dominance.
Does Immigration Increase Crime Rates in the U.S.?
The notion that immigration fuels crime in the United States is not supported by empirical evidence. A substantial body of research, alongside federal crime statistics, consistently refutes this claim. They show that documented and undocumented immigrants commit crimes at significantly lower rates than native-born citizens
Crime Rates Among Immigrants vs. Native-Born Citizens
According to research from the American Immigration Council, the share of immigrants in the U.S. more than doubled. From 1980 to 2022, it increased from 6.2% to 13.9%. During this same period, the total crime rate plummeted by 60.4%. With violent crime dropping by 34.5% and property crime by 63.3%.
The Impact of Sanctuary Cities on Crime
Contrary to claims that sanctuary cities foster criminal activity, evidence suggests they may contribute to lower crime rates. Sanctuary policies limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This fosters trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.
Cities with long-standing sanctuary policies, such as New York City, have seen an increase in immigrant populations. As well as a concurrent drop in crime. Research published in the International Migration Review found no significant difference in crime rates between sanctuary and non-sanctuary jurisdictions.
High-Profile Cases
Individual crimes committed by immigrants often receive heightened media coverage. However, these incidents do not reflect broader statistical trends. Political rhetoric and sensationalized reporting contribute to the persistent belief that immigration is linked to rising crime. The selective amplification of crimes committed by immigrants, often without contextualizing overall crime rates, fuels common immigration myths.
Are Immigrants Taking Away Jobs from American Workers?
The belief that immigrants are taking jobs away from American workers is one of the common immigration myths. Rather than displacing American workers, immigrants contribute to economic growth, job creation, and innovation. They often fill essential labor market gaps that sustain critical industries.
Immigrants and Labor Market Gaps
Immigrants help address labor shortages, particularly in sectors where native-born workers are unwilling or unavailable to work. Foreign-born workers make up approximately 17% of the U.S. workforce but contribute to nearly 25% of GDP growth. Many immigrants work in physically demanding, low-wage industries such as agriculture, construction, and elder care.
How Immigration Boosts Economic Growth
Immigrants play a key role in entrepreneurship. They are 80% more likely than native-born Americans to start businesses. Immigrant-founded firms account for half of all venture capital-backed startups in Silicon Valley. Moreover, 55% of U.S. “unicorn” companies (startups valued at over $1 billion) were founded by immigrants. This entrepreneurial activity creates jobs not only for immigrants themselves but also for native-born workers across industries.
High-Skilled vs. Low-Skilled Labor
The impact of immigration on the job market varies by industry and skill level. High-skilled immigrants tend to complement rather than compete with American workers. In technology and healthcare, for example, foreign-born professionals fill labor shortages. In areas where demand far exceeds the supply of qualified U.S. workers.
Meanwhile, lower-skilled immigrants often work in jobs that require long hours, physical labor, or undesirable conditions. Conditions which many native-born workers avoid. Even within this category, immigrants are highly mobile and flexible, often moving to regions experiencing labor shortages. This helps stabilize the workforce and prevent economic disruptions.
Are Most Immigrants Entering the U.S. Illegally?
Common immigration myths suggest that a majority of immigrants in the United States entered the country unlawfully. However, a closer examination of official immigration data shows that most immigrants arrive through legal pathways.
Border crossings receive significant media attention. However, statistics reveal that visa overstays, rather than illegal crossings, account for a large portion of unauthorized immigration. Many undocumented immigrant populations consist of individuals who initially entered the U.S. legally. However, they later overstayed their visas.
Another misconception is that individuals seeking asylum at the U.S. border are illegally entering the country. In reality, asylum seekers follow legal procedures under U.S. and international law. To apply for asylum, individuals must either be present in the U.S. or request asylum at an official port of entry.
Do Policies Affect Public Perceptions of Immigration?
Shifts in enforcement measures, visa processing delays, and political rhetoric contribute to common immigration myths. Bring misconceptions about the scale of illegal entry. Public perception of illegal immigration is shaped by policy changes rather than migration patterns.
For instance, policy decisions that restrict legal pathways to immigration can increase the visibility of unauthorized migration. Leading to heightened public concern even when overall numbers remain stable. Experienced immigration attorneys provide strategic guidance on visa options, green card applications, and asylum claims. Helping clients prepare strong petitions with proper documentation.
Speak to a Queens Immigration Attorney Today
Misinformation has shaped the immigration debate for too long. Common immigration myths about crime, jobs, and social services have fueled unnecessary fear and confusion. But the truth is clear: Immigrants strengthen the workforce, drive innovation, and help sustain vital economic sectors.
Policies change, processing times fluctuate, and a single mistake can mean years of delays or denials. Don’t let myths or misinformation stand in your way. Get the facts. Get the right legal support. Contact a Queens Immigration Attorney today by scheduling a free consultation.
