Separating fact from fiction is not always easy, especially when virtually anyone can post a quick opinion on the internet. Unfortunately, some of the misinformation concerning immigration may make some people feel hesitant to move forward with their dreams of coming to the United States. Here are a few myths that Louisiana hopefuls do not have to worry about.
Rather than being a burden, immigrants actually help boost the U.S. government. In 2017, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released a study that highlights the positive impact immigrants have on economic growth. In general, immigrants pay more in taxes than they receive in government benefits. In fact, second-generation immigrants are some of the strongest economic and fiscal contributors in the country. Even undocumented immigrants contribute an estimated collective $11.6 billion in taxes annually.
Immigrants are not stealing away jobs from American citizens, either. Many first-generation immigrants fill positions that those born in the United States tend to shy away from. For example, data from 2015 shows that 24 percent of psychiatric, nursing and home care aides are immigrants. With a relatively low birth rate of 1.8 live births, the workforce is shrinking, which means there are more job openings and fewer applicants.
For those who hope to move to and work in the United States, it can be difficult to hear ongoing myths cycling through the internet and news feeds. Understanding the reality of immigration may make some feel better about their future prospects in Louisiana. For many people, immigrating to the America opens the doors to new and valuable opportunities.