Immigration

America was founded and shaped by immigrants seeking freedom and opportunity. Since records were first kept in 1820, our nation has absorbed more than 60 million immigrants. Those new Americans have almost universally embraced American culture and values, serving bravely in our armed forces, founding some of our most successful companies, and pioneering advances in science, technology and industry. Immigrants have been crucial to America's dominance and dynamism in the global economy.

The overriding impact of immigrants is to strengthen and enrich American culture, increase the total output of the economy, and raise the standard of living of American citizens. Immigrants are advantageous to the United States for several reasons: (1) Since they are willing to take a chance in a new land, they are self-selected on the basis on motivation, risk taking, work ethic, and other attributes beneficial to a nation. (2) They tend to come to the United States during their prime working years (the average age is 28), and they contribute to the workforce and make huge net contributions to old-age entitlement programs, primarily Social Security. (3) Immigrants tend to fill niches in the labor market where demand is highest relative to supply, complementing rather than directly competing with American workers. (4) Many immigrants arrive with extremely high skill levels, and virtually all, regardless of skill level, bring a strong desire to work. (5) Their children tend to reach high levels of achievement in American schools and in society at large.

The LATEST from the Center for Trade Policy Studies on Immigration

• Immigration law should reflect our dynamic labor market (April 27, 2008)

• The Fiscal Impact of Immigration Reform: The Real Story (April 21, 2008)

• Real Reform Can Fix Immigration (October 2, 2007)

• A Boon Rather Than a Burden (August 28, 2007)

• Calmer heads should prevail on U.S. visa provision (August 27, 2007)

MORE from the Center for Trade Policy Studies on Immigration