Give three of the six myths regarding immigrants coming to the United States. Explain the reality to contradict each myth

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Suggested Response:
• Immigrants come to the country penniless, ignorant and with very little education so they have to immediately go on welfare.
o In 2007, 28% of U.S. immigrants had a college degree but they make take minimum wage jobs because the U.S. does not recognize their degree or certifications. Immigrants receive welfare at about the same rate Americans do and undocumented immigrants are not eligible to receive public assistance.
• Immigrants refuse to assimilate into the American culture.
o At first immigrants cling to their culture and traditions but they typically integrate their cultural heritage with American culture, producing a hybrid of traditions and values taken from both. The assimilation of immigrants is further complicated by a backlog of those pursuing naturalization, a process that can take years if not decades before immigrants are granted legal permanent resident status.
• The United States takes more than their fair share of immigrants and other countries need to take more.
o Canada, Australia, Germany and Switzerland accept more immigrants than the U.S. Between 70% and 80% of immigrants around the world are refugees. The United States accepts less than 1% of the refugees; several other countries admit a higher percentage. According to the 2000 Census, immigrants constituted 10% of the U.S. population.
• The main problem with U.S. immigration is the large numbers of illegal immigrants.
o Illegal immigrants make up 20% of the immigrant population and about 2% of the U.S. population. In fact, over 41% of illegal immigrants in the United States entered legally, often recruited by employers, and only become illegal by remaining after their work visas expired.
• Illegal immigrants are responsible for increased crime and disease in the U.S.
o There is no medical research reporting an increase in diseases stemming from the presence of immigrants. This myth came from a report published by the American Legion and has since been investigated and proven false. Illegal immigrants account for only 6.1% of crime. Many of those immigrants are in prison for violating immigration laws not for violent crime.
• Immigrants take jobs away from Americans.
o Immigrants are necessary for to sustain American economic growth. Immigrants take on the lowest paying and the dirtiest jobs that most native born citizens do not want to have. Studies have found that an influx of immigrants actually increases local job availability. To keep costs down many businesses are demanding immigrant labor for their jobs.