The Economic Impact

Recently, there have been an upsurge of anti-immigrant emotions, particularly in areas where the number of immigrants grows rapidly.  Although natives do not feel the same about legal and illegal immigrants, there is still great animosity that exists in day-to-day life and in large part of the work force.  Many believe that immigrants, particularly those illegal immigrants, are to blame for the lapses in the economy, benefiting from its good standing and hindering its growth.  In addition, immigrants are believed to steal jobs from Americans, and collect an excess of government benefits.

The truth is that immigrants greatly help the economy, instead of the opposite.  They create new jobs by forming new businesses, spending their incomes on American goods and services, paying taxes and raising the productivity of U.S. businesses.  Immigrants pay more than $90 billion in taxes every year and receive only $5 in welfare. (Receiving much more would be considered unlawful.) Without their contributions to the public treasury, the economy would suffer enormous losses.

Unfortunately, with the recent rejection of the immigration bill, reformation will not be touched upon for another 12 to 18 months, when the 2008 elections begin hitting the headlines more frequently.  However, it is important to place awareness about the honest implications that the increase of immigrants would have.  Below are some helpful links:

The Demographic and Economic Facts

Julian Simon describes the various effects of immigrants.  Numbers, facts, studies, etc.

More Factual Information

Immigration Policy Center analyzes the myths and states correction on numbers.