Immigration as a Boost for Economic Growth Productivity in America

When discussing immigration, it is a controversy filled with myths and is overall a touchy topic in today’s society, along with it being a relevant issue to this day. Many argue that immigrants in America are criminals, steal jobs, and are burdens some native-born. On the other hand, many others disagree and think immigrant’s help the economy, creates a more dynamic society. As of now immigrants do make up a portion of the population in America. Although the cause of concern against immigrants involve fear of less jobs, and allegedly destroying the economies, evidence has suggested otherwise. In the United States, immigrants have proven to become large and successful business owners along with providing goods to the American people. Some examples would include immigrant founders of companies like Google, intel, eBay, Yahoo, and more. Research suggests immigrants expand the economy’s productive capacity by stimulating investments and promoting specialization. Moreover, research on the bet fiscal impact of immigration shows immigrants contributing more in taxes rather than what they receive as far as benefits.

Fear of immigrants, depending on the region takes different forms. Here in the U.S. Antipathy towards immigrants spread, most notably in the Trump campaign where he promised American’s to keep Mexicans and Central Americans from crossing the U.S. border. Its success showed America’s true opinion on immigrants. However, immigrants prove to help enrich our economy and society. For example, immigrants actually hep to sustain the social security trust fund, it’s not secret immigrants pay for more than they receive and without the contributions of immigrations going into the system, it is estimated that full benefits would not be able to be paid out in the future. Even DACA recipients contribute to the economy, the application fee which is $400 and has had no contribution from taxpayers it has significantly benefitted the U.S. and eliminating it would also eliminate billions over the course of a decade.

However, there are legitimate concerns about large-scale migration in the U.S. There is always a possibility of social dislocation, just like globalization, positive aspects are diffuse, while negative aspects are harder for others. Ian Goldin, a professor at Oxford once said, “Migration has always been one of the most important drivers of human progress and dynamism”. Of course, any negative aspects must be controlled but that should also come with recognition. Recognition that migration has and will always be an important part the world. In recent years the media has had stories of migrants and their hardships in escaping things like murder, rape, arson, and torture which leaves them to flee in different parts of the world. However, things are not always bleak for migrants fleeing their place of birth or home in search of a better more opportunistic life in a new unknown land. From an economic perspective, the influx of migrants across the world provides opportunity as regions face demographic challenges. Take Europe of example, working age population would be shrinking if it were not for migration. Historically there are even stories about refugees fleeing who made the world a better place due to their contributions. Take Einstein for example, a theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, migrated to the US after leaving Nazi Germany for fear of termination of him and his family. Countless actors that have migrated to avoid oppression who know serve as entertainment for people to enjoy.

What defines a migrant? It is any person who is moving or has moves across an international border or within a state away from his/her place of birth. Since the beginning of time, the human species have always been on the move whether it be an economic reason or for education. Today according to the United Nations, the number of migrants globally reached an estimated “272 million, 5 million more than 2010”. While some out of pure choice and others in dire need. No matter the reason, these migrants have boosted the diversity in many different parts of the world, increase and many times helping certain population groups.

Since the topic of immigrants is controversial it’s also important to debunk some myths that surround immigrants. First would be that immigrants are actually less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans. Studies have confirmed that immigrants are actually associated with lower crime rates. Additionally, countries that have put certain polices to limit cooperation with immigration enforcements, there are lower crime rates than in countries without those certain policies. Another myth would be that the immigrants hurt the country financially and take jobs, which is false. Immigrants actually help create new jobs. Along with them being business owners they also hire more people than native-born employers. Lastly, the myth of immigrants who come to America, come to the U.S. to obtain welfare and other benefits, which is false. Unfortunately for a lot of these immigrant families who come to the country work very hard to take care of their families alone. They pay more in taxes than the average native-born and pay more for education.

Although overall, immigrants have proven to be economically and socially beneficial to America and different parts of the world, it is also very important to note the cons of immigration. Although immigration/migration might help some population groups it could also cause over-population issues. The wealthiest nations tend to be the popular destination for immigrants. Furthermore, the process of immigration and migration could mean many diseases being transferred to new regions. For example, the devastation of smallpox across North America. Disease causing agents can transfer across borders with immigrants unknowingly which can negatively affect populations. Although many escape their birthplace in hopes of better educational and or medical resources it could also cause stressors on the educational and heal resources. They come here for new life’s and there is no guarantee immigrant families will stay in communities which means investment’s being made may never earn dividends.

Immigration is already tough, but the process of becoming a documented U.S. citizen is lengthy and expensive. The hardest part is the initial payment fee, the application alone is $725. You also have to live in the United States for five continuous years, be able to read, write and speak basic English. These are all standard processes however; it is also a very lengthy process time to get approved approximately 10 months on top of having to reside in the U.S. for 5 years.

In conclusion, immigrants have proven to be beneficial to not only the economic standpoint but socially as well. Immigration has a reputation for being notoriously complex. Many other countries in the world have similar regulations but have immense body of law and regulation that is encountered in the American system. Americas slight openness to immigration has shown to enrich the culture and expand economic opportunity. These immigrants complement native-born workers and raise general productivity through their innovation. They have and continue to successfully integrate into American society. Immigrants come to the U.S. because of the freedom and opportunity we offer. Immigrant’s fill niches in the labor market, typically at the higher and lower ends of the skill spectrum, where the supply of native-born’s tend to fall short of demand by U.S. employers. Without immigrant families the U.S. would experience demographic decline, the number of native-born working individuals with native born parents are already declining. Along with education, research shows that immigrants tend to stay in school longer and upgrade their education, raising their productivity and wages. Overall, immigrant’s boost America’s economic growth and raise the general productivity of American workers by providing and introducing much needed skills.