Immigrants and the Economy- Middle School

Some people worry that immigrants take jobs away from American citizens or use up too much taxpayers' money. However, studies show that immigrants actually help the economy grow in a big way.

1. Children of Immigrants Give Back Big

When we look at the big picture over time, immigrants do a lot to help the country. Their children (second-generation immigrants) often grow up to get good jobs and end up paying more in taxes than their parents and even more than many native-born U.S. citizens!

2. The Truth About Taxes

Do immigrants cost taxpayers money, or do they help pay for the government? The answer is a little of both:

• Local Towns and Cities: Having a lot of new immigrants at once can sometimes put a strain on local budgets (like local schools or public services).

• The Country as a Whole (Federal Government): Overall, immigrants give back way more than they take. Over a ten-year period, their hard work and taxes actually cut government debt by hundreds of billions of dollars.

3. Creating Jobs, Not "Taking" Them

A lot of people think immigrants take jobs from Americans, but that’s a misconception. When immigrants take on specific roles in a company, it helps that business grow and create new jobs for native-born citizens. Instead of taking opportunities, they help build new ones.

4. New Ideas and Businesses

Immigrants start new businesses at nearly double the rate of native-born citizens! By launching new companies and inventing new ideas, they bring in fresh energy and help the U.S. economy stay strong for the future.