Myths About Immigrants (LINK)

As we will begin to enter the debate about comprehensive immigration reform, there will no doubt be many myths raised about the evils of immigration in general and of undocumented immigrants in particular.  It is important to have some facts to refute those myths quickly and share the real facts.  Thanks to the folks at Justice for Immigrants (U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) here are some quick myth-buster facts!  (For the full text, click on the blog title.)

1.  Immigrants don't want to learn English.
     MYTH!  FACT:  ESL classes for adults fill-up quickly;immigrants DO want to learn English.


2.  Immigrants don't pay taxes.
     MYTH!  FACT:  50-75% of undocumented immigrants do pay federal, state, and local taxes.


3.  Immigrants increase the crime rate.
     MYTH!  FACT:  Crime rates dropped by over 30% during the period of the highest growth in the undocumented population.


4.  Immigrants take away jobs from Americans.
     MYTH!  FACT:  Immigrants typically take low wage jobs, but there are still plenty of low wage jobs.  That's the problem, they are so low wage you can't really live with any comfort or security.


5.  Immigrants are a drain on the U. S. economy.
     MYTH!  FACT:  Studies from both ends of the political spectrum show that the immigrant community is a net benefit.


6.  Undocumented immigrants are a burden on the healthcare system.
     MYTH!  FACT:  The foreign born use fewer health care services so their costs are dramatically lower than for the native born population.


7.  The Catholic Church supports illegal immigration and "open borders."
     MYTH!  FACT:  The Bishops of the U. S. recognize the need for border protection and that immigration reform legislation will actually improve it.