In the acclaimed book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, human migration is credited with forging socioeconomic success since the time humans lived in hunter-gatherer societies. The book also discusses the phenomenon of modern anti-immigration rhetoric, which is pretty easy to discredit from an anthropological point of view. Arguments against immigration have become pretty common in the United States, and they’re often disingenuous, misguided, and highly questionable. Many of these arguments contradict findings from political, economic, and sociological research. Nonetheless, they often find audiences who latch onto them for various reasons. Here are some of the most common flawed arguments, along with strong counterarguments provided by the professionals from KS Visa Law, leading immigration lawyers in San Diego.
Immigration Exacerbates Income & Wealth Inequality
This idea is based on a socioeconomic trend that’s undeniable: the rich have been getting richer while the rest of us are finding it more difficult to pay the bills. Believing immigration is driving income inequality doesn’t take into consideration that foreign workers actively strive to bridge the gap between rich and poor, particularly those who send remittances to their home countries because they’re actually improving their relatives’ quality of life.
Immigrants Fail to Assimilate to the American Way of Life
Of all arguments against immigration, this one is the most indefensible. The United States has a long history of immigrants not only assimilating but also contributing cultural and societal traits that end up forming part of the American ethos. In recent years, researchers from the University of Washington have observed that immigrant assimilation in the 21st century is stronger than ever in terms of language, military service, naturalization, and participation in civil and democratic processes. This argument isn’t so much political as it is impatient. Full assimilation happens over several generations, but it’s taking place faster than it used to.
Immigration Increases the Risk of Terrorism
History does show that immigrants played a part in terrorist attacks on American soil prior to World War I, and we cannot ignore the fact that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by foreign terrorists with student visas. However, when applying statistical analysis to terrorist attacks in the United States after 9/11, we find very few immigrants were involved. In fact, most of the attacks over the last two decades have been classified as domestic terrorism incidents.
Immigrants Deplete Welfare Benefits
The laws and regulations of the U.S. effectively prevent undocumented immigrants from applying for welfare benefits. Immigration law firms routinely remind their clients about the risk of losing their legal statuses if they become welfare recipients. During the first five years immigrants stay in the U.S., they cannot access any kind of welfare benefits. Ironically, they’re expected to contribute to social security and Medicare by means of payroll tax deductions. Millions of undocumented immigrants whose wages have been taxed for years will never be able to enjoy benefits such as Medicare and social security payments unless they’re able to adjust their statuses and become legal residents.
In this time of political turmoil surrounding immigration policies, it’s sadly far too easy for some Americans to forget immigration is the very foundation upon which the United States was built. 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.
