Contributions of Immigrants to the United States
 Immigrants,
both legal and
illegal, continue to be attracted to the
United States and its opportunities. According to the U.S. Census, in 1990, the number of
immigrants was
estimated at 28 million. Fourteen years later that
number increased to 32 million. Most of the 32 million immigrants are Hispanic
with Asians as the second largest cohort. In a report published by the CEA, or
Council of Economic Advisers, immigrants were found to positively contribute to
the U.S. economy. The data indicate that immigrants contribute more than $30 billion in income
for American workers (U.S. born). In terms of innovation per capita, immigrants
in the U.S. beat the U.S. born workers. A greater number of immigrants
start up
businesses compared to native born Americans; their start up pace is
estimated to be 40% greater. Other reports indicate that immigrants had a lower
probability of ending up in prison and committing crimes, as compared to
individuals born in the US. The CEA report also found that immigrant workers in
the United States yield a greater output. Immigrants play a
role in the country’s macroeconomic growth and their taxes help increase public
budgets. The study found that on average, immigrants and their offspring
contribute nearly $80,000 more in tax revenue compared to natives. This figure
helps to offset the problem that will arise with the nation’s
Social Security system, but
it will not take care of the problem entirely. Due to the large number of “Baby
Boomers” retiring in the near future, the number of retirees will outnumber the
number of contributors. The Medicare program has also seen an increase in
enrollees and will also benefit from addition tax revenue.
A common claim among critics is that immigrants take jobs away from
Americans and decrease wages in the United States. They believe that this has
resulted in a higher unemployment rate in the United States. Conversely, a study
conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center found that there is not enough evidence to
support this claim. The Pew Hispanic Center receives its funds from the Pew
Charitable Trusts. It is a research organization that focuses on controversial
issues like genetics and climate change. The Pew Hispanic Center strives to
present unbiased information to the public. While this claim may hold true in
some states, the Pew Hispanic Center found that the claim cannot be applied to
the United States in general. In addition, the study found that there was no
significant correlation among employment rates and immigration rates. This data
was taken from the U.S. Census Data, comparing data from 1990 up until 2004. In
one example, the study took the 10 states with the highest employment rates
during a four year period (2000 to 2004). Half of the states experienced high immigration but the other half had low immigration growth. Even
in times where there was some degree of economic slowdown, there was found to be
no significant correlation between immigrant growth and unemployment rate. In
the states with a lower influx of immigrants, 60% of American workers did not
post permanent gains in the employment sector. However, the study did not
distinguish between immigrants that are legal and those who are illegal in the
United States.
To increase their chances of achieving a better life,
immigrants tend to move to
areas where generally there is low unemployment and the economy is strong.
Sometimes they come alone, other times with family. Many risk everything for a life in
the United States, sometimes dying in their attempt. Besides their contribution
to the economy, immigrants contribute in many other non-economic ways. They add
diversity to the nation and give us a better understanding of different cultures
by living side by side with Americans. In a study conducted by Harvard
University, findings indicate that
many immigrant children value education more highly than young children born in
the United States. In many immigrant families, education is stressed as the way
to a better life. Many immigrant children end up pursuing higher education and
this adds to a greater number of individuals in the U.S. with a college
education. As a result of an increased population attaining advanced degrees, the U.S. can be
even more competitive in today’s global
market. The United States is a country founded by immigrants, and future
immigration will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in American
history.
In 2007, legislation for a comprehensive
immigration bill was vetoed. Proposed bills in this legislation included a path
towards
U.S. citizenship for the
approximately 12
million illegal immigrants residing in
the U.S. Legislation also called for a guest worker program
and greater penalties for employers who willingly hire illegal immigrants.
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