According to the results of a July 2022 Gallup poll, immigration is a political issue that continues to divide voters in the United States. Nearly 40 percent of Americans would like to see a reduced flow of immigrants. The majority of those who support this idea identify as Republicans. Only 27 percent of Americans would like to see immigration expanded. The majority of those in favor of more immigrants identify as Democrats. Despite this political divide, 7 out of 10 Americans believe immigration provides tangible benefits for the country. Experts such as immigration lawyers in San Diego have an in-depth understanding of the benefits that immigration can provide, including those listed below.
Immigrants Contribute to Economic Growth
President Joe Biden has said immigration is important to American society for various reasons. First and foremost, there’s the longstanding tradition of attributing the greatness of this country to the hard work of immigrants who have been coming to the U.S. for centuries. Equally as important is the economic contribution of immigrants, and this is the easiest argument to make because of the extensive amount of data that supports it.
The economic benefits of immigration in the U.S. boil down to a larger workforce, greater mobility, increased productivity, and a greater diversity of skills. Even though these factors are almost universal, the U.S. is the nation where they’ve worked out best. There are a few reasons the U.S. is the world’s most powerful economy, and the economic contribution of immigrants is one of those reasons.
Immigrants & Their Families Serve the Country with Distinction
Many Americans believe their country is great because great people make it that way. It’s very easy to agree with this assertion, particularly when we remember the 13 members of the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives during the fall of Kabul in August 2021. When the identities of these brave men and women were revealed, Americans learned that the majority of them came from immigrant families. In the history of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the greatest military distinction awarded for bravery in combat, more than 20 percent of its recipients weren’t born in the U.S.
Many Immigrants Are Well Educated
Those who oppose immigration incorrectly believe that foreigners seeking better opportunities in the U.S. tend to be undereducated and unskilled. According to statistics compiled by FWD.us, a bipartisan group focused on immigration research, 49 percent of foreigners who arrive on family-based and diversity lottery visas have college degrees. This is important to note because less than 30 percent of those born in the U.S. graduate from institutions of higher learning. There’s also the myth about international students staying in the U.S. and “stealing” American jobs. Most of these foreign students go back to their countries to take jobs with lucrative salaries they wouldn’t be able to earn in the U.S.
Immigrants Have Valuable Talents
Finally, we cannot forget the contributions made by extraordinary foreigners who are skilled in athletics, arts, science, and technology. Some of the world’s most talented people want to tour, work, study, and perform in the U.S. for many reasons. If we want to continue attracting such strategic talent, we need to support policies that favor immigration.
In these turbulent political times, it’s often difficult to get the truth about immigration, which is that it benefits the United States in many ways. Immigrants are understandably concerned about stereotypes that can affect immigration policies and legislation, leaving them uncertain about their futures in the U.S. If you have questions about any aspect of immigration, contact trusted attorneys who have vast experience with immigration services. In San Diego, CA, KS Visa Law is the firm to turn to when you need advice about immigration law and how it affects you and your family. Call us today at 858-874-0711 to schedule an appointment.
