10 Myths of Immigration

Article Author name(s): No Author Listed… Title of article: 10 Myths of Immigration Title of journal: Teaching Tolerance Date of publication: Spring 2011 Issue number of the journal: 39 http://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-39-spring-2011/10-myths-about-immigration  

Summary: This article supposedly debunks often argued myths surrounding immigration. I have not posted all ten myths, just a few of the one’s that grab my attention most. I purposefully posted this not because I agree or disagree with these myths, but because I’m hoping to get a lot of class comments spurred! Intended audience: Everyone

Key Points: 1) Most Immigrants are Here Illegally: Of the more than 31 million foreign-born people living in the United States in 2009, about 20 million were either citizens or legal residents. 2) Anyone can come to the US legally if they would go through the proper Channels: This is not always true, there is preference for those who are (a) highly trained in a skill that is in short supply here, (b) escaping political persecution, or (c) joining close family already here. 3) Immigrants won’t learn English: Two-thirds of those older than 5 speak English “well” or “very well” according to research by the independent, nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. And the demand for adult ESL instruction in the United States far outstrips available classes. 4) Undocumented workers take American jobs: Here in the United States, two trends—better education and an aging population—have resulted in a decrease in the number of Americans willing or available to take low-paying jobs. Between 2000 and 2005, the supply of low-skilled American-born workers slipped by 1.8 million. On an economic level, Americans benefit from relatively low prices on food and other goods produced by undocumented immigrant labor. 5) Undocumented immigrants bring crime: Nationally, since 1994, the violent crime rate has declined 34 percent and the property crime rate has fallen 26 percent, even as the number of undocumented immigrants has doubled. Foreign-born people in America are incarcerated at a much lower rate than native-born Americans, according to the National Institute of Corrections. This one can really get my dad and I going in circles- 6) Undocumented immigrants don’t pay taxes but still get benefits: Undocumented immigrants pay taxes every time they buy gas, clothes or new appliances. They also contribute to property taxes—a main source of school funding—when they buy or rent a house, or rent an apartment. The Social Security Administration estimates that half to three-quarters of undocumented immigrants pay federal, state and local taxes, including $6 billion to $7 billion in Social Security taxes for benefits they will never get. They can receive schooling and emergency medical care, but not welfare or food stamps.  

Relevance: While this article will likely not sway anyone to change their views of immigration and all issues that come with topic, I think it’s beneficial to become aware that information that counters our own beliefs exist, no matter what side of the argument you take. Articles like these are relevant for many more reasons than simply because it relates to education; this is a hot topic that will continue to be for years to come.