The Indispensable Role of Legal Immigration: A Historical and Contemporary Perspective

Building a robust and persuasive argument for legal immigration necessitates a thoughtful engagement with history, an appreciation for immigrants' current contributions, and a critical assessment of political narratives that scapegoat immigrants. This discourse will explore how immigrants have been, and continue to be, integral to economic and social development, emphasizing their crucial role in sustaining high living standards in host nations like the United States.

?A robust case for legal immigration is rooted in a nuanced understanding of its historical impact on economies and society. Immigration, alongside the labor of enslaved African Americans, was integral to the establishment and expansion of Western economies, particularly in the United States. Early immigrants from Europe, Asia, and Latin America were vital in industries that drove economic growth, including railroads, manufacturing, and agriculture (History.com , 2018). For example, Chinese immigrants constructed much of the transcontinental railroad in the 1860s, while waves of Irish, Italian, and Eastern European immigrants powered urban factories in the industrial North. This historical labor base underpins the argument that past and present immigrants are essential to US economic prosperity and societal progress.

Immigrants are a vital part of the workforce in contemporary America, making up approximately 17% of all US workers (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Immigrants are concentrated in industries with chronic labor shortages, such as healthcare, agriculture, technology, and essential services. As of 2022, foreign-born workers accounted for 10% of the total US GDP, underscoring their outsized contribution relative to their population size (American et al., 2023). Despite the documented positive impacts, immigrants frequently face mischaracterizations that associate them with economic strain—an unfounded narrative often linked to systemic issues rather than the presence of immigrant workers. Even more interesting is the hypocrisy of Elon Musk, ?who illegally worked while on a student visa and continues to be fixated on illegal immigration and their ouster instead of being empathetic to the people who are struggling with the immigration system. It is amazing how the power of money allows specific individuals who lack moral compunction to violate anything and everything.

?Responding to anti-immigrant rhetoric and structural challenges in US immigration policy, Rep. Greg Casar's (D-TX-35) "Migration Stability Resolution" represents a legislative effort to reshape the immigration landscape (Casar, 2024). This resolution seeks to shift the focus from punitive measures to proactive strategies that address the root causes of migration, including economic instability and climate change, which often drive displacement. Should Congress adopt and expand on this resolution, it could catalyze comprehensive immigration reform that balances the humane treatment of immigrants with sustainable economic policy.

?A recurring misconception is that immigrants burden social welfare systems, yet data show the opposite. According to a report from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (2022), undocumented immigrants contribute an estimated $11.7 billion annually in state and local taxes. Through property taxes, Social Security, and Medicare contributions, legal immigrants bolster US social programs that serve citizens of all backgrounds. Furthermore, immigrant-founded businesses account for 30% of new American companies, generating employment and economic growth that benefits communities nationwide (National Bureau of Economic Research, 2022).

Anti-immigrant rhetoric is often used as a political tool to deflect from systemic economic issues. Economic inequality, wage stagnation, and the erosion of social welfare programs are not byproducts of immigration but rather the result of policies favoring wealth concentration. Redirecting the discourse to highlight immigrants' economic and social contributions could cultivate more balanced policy approaches (Penn et al. Model, 2016). Recognizing these contributions would enable more effective responses to wealth inequality and workforce gaps.

With an aging native-born population, the United States and Europe face looming demographic challenges that threaten to strain social welfare systems. Immigrants, who are generally younger and participate in the workforce at high rates, offer a solution to these demographic shortfalls. By filling critical labor gaps and sustaining economic productivity, immigrants support pension systems and other social services upon which retirees depend (OECD, 2023).

Without increased immigration, several Western economies risk exacerbating labor shortages and slowing economic growth, particularly in healthcare and elder care, where demand is expected to surge as the population ages. It is crucial for developed nations to stop scapegoating immigrants and instead create policies that acknowledge their contributions and protect their rights. Such actions include a shift in resource allocation and redirecting funds from immigration enforcement toward social programs and education, which would more effectively distribute wealth across all socioeconomic levels rather than concentrating it among the elite.

The United States, which hosts the largest immigrant population worldwide, exemplifies the transformative impact of immigration on national identity and economic success. European settlers, starting in the early 1600s, arrived seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity, soon followed by the forced arrival of African enslaved individuals. The United States has oscillated between welcoming and restricting immigrants since its inception. Beginning with the Naturalization Act of 1790, which restricted citizenship to "free white persons," the US has implemented policies that encouraged and limited immigration based on economic and political needs.

By 1875, the US federal government took control over immigration, a transition that would shape the trajectory of immigration policy. Today, immigrants represent about 3.5% of the US population, enhancing the cultural and economic landscape despite periodic restrictions like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Immigration Act of 1924, and the recent travel bans serve as examples of exclusionary policies that targeted specific ethnicities and nationalities (History.com , 2018).

?In general, historically, ?immigrants have faced significant challenges, from Chinese laborers working on railroads in the 1850s and enduring racialized backlash to European and Asian immigrants passing through Ellis Island in the early 20th century amid growing anti-immigrant sentiment. While legislative measures, such as the literacy requirements after World War I, aimed to restrict immigration, immigrants persevered, contributing to the nation's growth in numerous fields. Subsequent policy adjustments, such as the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, reflect shifts toward inclusivity.

DACA, introduced in 2012, offers a microcosmic view of the limitations and contributions of US immigration policy. Although DACA recipients cannot access full citizenship rights, they significantly contribute to the economy, particularly in healthcare and education, where they fill essential roles. According to recent data, DACA recipients contribute $2 billion annually in state and local taxes and support an estimated 20,000 jobs (Center for American Progress, 2023). Expanding pathways to citizenship for DACA recipients would further strengthen their economic impact and allow them to contribute without constraints.

Immigrants make up nearly one-sixth of the American workforce today, excelling in construction, healthcare, food service, and manufacturing. They are twice as likely to start businesses as native-born individuals, often creating jobs that expand rather than restrict the job market. Despite persistent anti-immigrant rhetoric, immigrants significantly contribute through tax payments, Social Security contributions, and receiving fewer government benefits on average, supporting federal budgets and economic stability. The United States' identity as a nation built by immigrants is a historical fact and an ongoing reality that demands policy approaches grounded in equity, sustainability, and respect for human rights.

?Immigrants' history and ongoing contributions demonstrate their indispensable role in shaping economic and social landscapes. Acknowledging and enhancing legal immigration pathways could help address demographic shifts, labor shortages, and economic inequalities fairly and sustainably. By reframing the public narrative to highlight immigrants' integral role in maintaining high living standards, the US can preserve its financial stability and pursue policies that reflect its foundational values of diversity and opportunity.

?References

American Immigration Council. (2023). "Immigrants in the United States: Key data on contributions." Washington, DC: AIC.

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). "Labor Force Characteristics of Foreign-Born Workers Summary." Retrieved October 25, 2024.

?Casar, G. (2024). "The Migration Stability Resolution". US House of Representatives, TX-35.

?Center for American Progress. (2023). "Economic impact of DACA recipients". Washington, DC: CAP.

?History.com Editors. (2018). "US Immigration Timeline". Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://www.history.com/topics/immigration/immigration-united-states-timeline

Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. (2022). "Undocumented immigrants' state and local tax contributions." Washington, DC: ITEP.

?Immigrants as Economic Contributors: They are the New American Workforce. (June 5, 2018). "National Immigration Forum." Retrieved April 25, 2020, from https://immigrationforum.org/article/immigrants-as-economic-contributors-they-are-the-new-american-workforce/

?Myths and Facts About Immigrants and Immigration (En Espa?ol). (n.d.). "Anti-Defamation League." Retrieved April 25, 2020, from https://www.adl.org/resources/fact-sheets/myths-and-facts-about-immigrants-and-immigration-en-espanol

?PPI, W. (June 27, 2016). The effects of immigration on the United States' economy. "Penn Wharton Budget Model." Retrieved May 7, 2020, from https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2016/1/27/the-effects-of-immigration-on-the-united-states-economy

?