Immigration Myths and Facts

In recent discussions about immigration there have been lots claims made about immigrants that just aren’t true. I know that facts alone are usually not enough to change minds, but I do think it’s important to get the facts right. This is especially true for Christians, since scripture places such a high value on truth. Following is a list of some of the most popular immigration myths I’ve seen spread around along with the true facts and at least one supporting source for each.

MYTH: Undocumented immigrants present a greater crime risk.
FACTS: Immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, commit crimes at rates equal to or lower than native born citizens.
SOURCE: https://www.themarshallproject.org/2019/05/13/is-there-a-connection-between-undocumented-immigrants-and-crime

MYTH: Immigrants cost our country more than they produce.
FACTS: Immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, contribute more to our economy than they consume.
SOURCE: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/making-sense/4-myths-about-how-immigrants-affect-the-u-s-economy

MYTH: Immigrants bring disease.
FACTS: Immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, do not actually pose any significant health risk to native populations.
SOURCE: https://psmag.com/news/studies-show-fears-about-migration-and-disease-are-unfounded

MYTH: We need a wall to prevent human trafficking.
FACTS: “The vast majority of victims who cross a border and are then trafficked in the United States arrive here through ports of entry and other legal means.”
SOURCE: https://polarisproject.org/news/press-releases/polaris-statement-border-wall-and-human-trafficking

MYTH: We need a wall to prevent drug trafficking.
FACTS: “The vast majority of narcotics enters through U.S. ports of entry.”
SOURCE: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/01/16/fact-check-mike-pence-donald-trump-drugs-crossing-southern-border-wall/2591279002/