Immigration Myths and Facts

Despite the numerous studies and carefully detailed statistical reports outlining the positive effects of immigration, there is a great deal of misinformation about the impact of immigration. It is critical that policymakers and the public are educated about the facts behind these fallacies.

The Chamber’s Labor, Immigration & Employee Benefits Division has prepared this pamphlet to refute seven of the most common myths about immigrants coming to our country. We summarize the facts on the relationship of immigrants to Jobs, Wages, Taxes, Population, Crime, Integration, and Welfare.

Our compilation shows that immigrants significantly benefit the U.S. economy by creating new jobs, and complementing the skills of the U.S. native workforce, with a net positive impact on wage rates overall.

Recognizing that legislative solutions are difficult, the U.S. Chamber is also working administratively, to promote regulatory and policy reforms at the relevant federal executive agencies. We hope that these administrative actions, while not replacing the need for comprehensive reform of the nation’s controlling immigration laws, will lead to real improvements in the immigration system.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will continue to champion common-sense immigration reforms; and we urge you to join us in our efforts.