Why Immigrants Make America So Great
Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager
Within our current political climate, there has been more emphasis on immigrants and their presence here in America. More often than not, narratives around immigrants are negative, rather than positive. We all bear responsibility in knowing and remembering the major contributions and roles that immigrants have had in shaping America as a country.
From the very beginning, the United States was shaped by people that came here from different parts of the world, in search of opportunities, freedom, and better lives. Research indicates that immigration overall benefits the U.S. economy. Most economists agree that, when all factors are considered, immigration has more of a positive impact rather than a negative one.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, foreign-born workers, including the undocumented, accounted for 18.6 percent, or 29.1 million, of the US labor force. This is up from 18.1 percent in 2022. The labor force participation rate of the foreign-born increased to 66.6 percent, almost five percent higher than the native-born population (61.8 percent).
Based on analysis by the 2022 American Community Survey, immigrants in the United States paid an estimated $382.9 billion in federal taxes and $196.3 billion in state and local taxes in 2022. These amounts support schools, infrastructure, health care, public safety, and community programs nationwide. Additionally, immigrants and their labor contribute to the growth of the overall economy. The Congressional Budget Office recently found that immigrants will add $7 trillion to the economy over the next ten years.
While immigrants make up roughly 14% of the U.S. population, they launch 25% of all new employer businesses (MIT, 2021). In states such as New Jersey, immigrants founded 37.2% of new businesses and starting companies. This is more than twice the rate of native-born Americans. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the greater level of immigration expected between 2024 and 2034 will boost gross domestic product (GDP) by $8.9 trillion.
Although a common argument suggests that immigrants take jobs away from U.S.-born workers, research shows that this is not the case. Instead of replacing American workers, immigrants have gained a share of an expanding job market over time. The U.S. labor market is not fixed; immigrants do more than just fill existing jobs. They also help create new ones by spending money in the economy and by starting businesses. Many immigrants bring specialized skills that many U.S. workers do not have, such as advanced engineering expertise. Immigrants also often take on jobs with lower pay or difficult working conditions like agricultural or roofing work – that many U.S.-born workers are less likely to pursue.
While immigrants, just as U.S. born individuals cost governments money for services such as public education, health care, and basic infrastructure and sometimes public benefits, they also pay into government budgets through sales taxes, property taxes, payroll deductions, taxes on income, and taxes for Medicare and Social Security. Even unauthorized immigrants who lack work authorization pay these taxes. This payment helps fund essential public services that benefit all Americans, both immigrants and U.S. born individuals.
Immigrants make America great not only by strengthening the economy but through enriching the culture, driving innovation, and embodying the values the country stands for. Immigrants are not a burden on the U.S. economy. They are one of our most reliable growth engines. Amidst our current political climate, I hope that we can all take some time to reflect on the major contributions that immigrants have had on American culture, diversity, and success.
In this reflection, here’s a verse from the Bible that I’d like to share: “Long ago I gave these commands to my people: ‘You must see that justice is done, and must show kindness and mercy to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners who live among you, or anyone else in need,” Zechariah 7:9 (GNT).