Immigration and the Economy

LAP 3

The Issue

• Many are divided over the economic impact of immigration to the US.

• Negative– Immigration is a drain on the already fragile

U.S. economy.

• Positive– The influx of skilled and unskilled laborers

from other countries is expanding the economic outlook of the U.S.

What are some reasons immigration can be seen as a

negative to the U.S. economy?

According to FAIRFederation for American Immigration

Reform• The economic gain from immigration is $1-

$10 billion

• The economic drain is $15-$20 billion• Average impact on each household= -

$166-$226/year

Is FAIR and unbiased resource?

money.cnn.com/2006/05/01/news/economy/immigration_economy/index.htm

Middle Ground

• Illegal immigrants are negatively impacting low-skilled native born workers

• Higher skilled native born workers are better off because of illegal immigration– Increasing the economy– Purchase goods

Is CNNmoney an unbiased source?

immigrationpolicy.org/images/File/factcheck/Refugeesimmigrantsandpublicbenefits9-8-08.pdf

Positive Impact

• Immigrants here legally are prohibited from receiving most federal government benefits for at least five years after they arrive in the U.S. They work and pay taxes, but don’t receive benefits.

• Immigrants here without papers can get emergency medical care and that’s about it. No welfare, no food stamps, no Social Security.

• Refugees receive limited benefits for limited periods of time. They don’t get more than an American who is similarly qualified. And they have time limits on all the benefits they receive.

• THE BOTTOM LINE: In no case can an immigrant get more SSI or Social Security than a U.S. citizen who is eligible for the same program.

About IPCThe Immigration Policy Center (IPC) is the research arm of the American Immigration Law Foundation (AILF). IPC was established in 2003 with the mission to provide policymakers, academics, the media, and the general public with access to accurate information about the effects of immigration on the U.S. economy and society. The IPC attracts nationally recognized scholars as research fellows and guest authors, and publishes timely reports on the role of immigrants and immigration policy. Together, the IPC director, fellows, and staff have been a major voice in the national debate on immigration. They have testified before Congress and regularly serve as experts on immigration law and policy issues for members of the media.

Is the Immigration Policy Center biased?

NY Daily News Online

Nifty Tidbit

Legal and Illegal immigration has seen a decline since the downturn in the economy