Anti-Immigration Myths and the Prejudices Driving Them

Immigration has always been a bedrock of growth and innovation in the U.S. Many arguments against immigration aren’t just flawed — they’re steeped in racial and cultural biases.

Photo by The New York Public Library on Unsplash

Anti-Immigration Myths and the Prejudices Driving Them

Immigration has always been a bedrock of growth and innovation in the U.S., yet opposition to it persists. Many arguments against immigration aren’t just flawed — they’re steeped in racial and cultural biases.

Let’s unpack some of the most widespread myths and the stereotypes fueling them.

Myth 1: Immigrants Steal Jobs from Native Workers

The Truth: Research shows that immigrants often fill roles in industries with critical labor shortages, such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare. They complement the workforce rather than replace native-born workers, helping businesses expand and boosting job creation. According to the National Immigration Forum, immigrants are also entrepreneurial, starting businesses at twice the rate of native-born citizens.