Since the United States became a nation, there have been misconceptions about immigrants and immigration laws. And there is a lot of misinformation regarding the people that come to the U.S. from other countries.
Here are five common myths about immigration law.
Myth 1: Marrying a U.S. citizen automatically grants citizenship
While marrying a U.S. citizen can provide a pathway to citizenship, it’s not automatically granted. Instead, the immigrant spouse is eligible to apply for a green card. While it is a step towards citizenship, the process involves extensive paperwork and interviews and takes several years to complete.
Myth 2: It’s easy to immigrate to the United States
There is a notion that immigrants can “get in line” for legal status. This implies a straightforward process, but in fact, that doesn’t exist. The U.S. immigration system is complex, with multiple visa categories, each with its own eligibility criteria and quotas.
Myth 3: The majority of immigrants are in the U.S. illegally
Contrary to the belief that most immigrants are here illegally, over three-quarters of those who are foreign-born are in the U.S. legally.
Myth 4: Immigrants don’t pay taxes
Another misconception that upsets many people is the myth that immigrants don’t pay taxes. However, all immigrants, regardless of their legal status, pay taxes. This may include income tax, sales tax, property tax and even social security tax. The truth is that even undocumented immigrants pay tens of billions of dollars in taxes while not receiving any of the benefits given to U.S. citizens.
Myth 5: Immigrants take jobs from U.S. citizens
Immigrants do not take jobs away from U.S. citizens. Instead, they often complement the existing workforce and contribute to this country’s economic growth. Many work in sectors with labor shortages or jobs less desirable to U.S. workers. Furthermore, immigrants are more likely to start their own businesses, which, in turn, creates new jobs.
It’s easy for misconceptions to arise and spread when it comes to the topic of immigration. By debunking these myths and providing factual information, we can foster a more accurate discussion about the people who come to the United States looking for a better life for themselves and their families.