Immigrants make this country great!
The “immigrants are criminals” talking point is fear-based propaganda, not fact.
The best available data show immigrants — including undocumented immigrants — commit crimes at lower rates than U.S.-born citizens. In Texas, where researchers had unusually detailed data by immigration status, undocumented immigrants were arrested at less than half the rate of U.S.-born citizens for violent and drug crimes, and about one-fourth the rate for property crimes.
Undocumented workers also contribute billions into systems they are largely barred from using. A 2024 ITEP analysis estimated that undocumented immigrants paid $25.7 billion into Social Security and $6.4 billion into Medicare in 2022.
The Social Security Administration has also found that unauthorized workers have a net positive effect on Social Security cash flow.
And for people with protected statuses like TPS or DACA, serious criminal convictions can make them ineligible or cost them protection. TPS is barred for someone convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors, and DACA has criminal-history and public-safety bars as well.
So stop letting politicians and cable-news fearmongers turn immigrants into scapegoats. The facts are clear: immigrants are not the crime wave. They are workers, taxpayers, neighbors, and families. Face the truth.
From personal observation and numerous reports, it's clear that immigrants play a vital role in strengthening local communities and the economy. Contrary to common misconceptions often amplified in media and political rhetoric, immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens, as detailed in comprehensive studies from Texas and other states. Moreover, the tax contributions of undocumented immigrants are staggering — with billions flowing into Social Security, Medicare, and federal, state, and local tax systems annually. It's particularly striking that many undocumented workers pay taxes into programs from which they may never receive benefits, demonstrating their commitment to contributing fairly despite limited access. I have seen firsthand in diverse communities how immigrants enrich neighborhoods not only economically but culturally, fostering environments of mutual support. Programs like TPS (Temporary Protected Status) and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) help individuals stay protected, but even these protections are contingent on clean criminal records, debunking the myth that criminality is common among immigrant groups. The reality is immigrants are hardworking taxpayers, vital neighbors, and family members who contribute positively rather than detract from society's welfare. Sharing this knowledge helps counteract fear-based propaganda and encourages a more informed and compassionate perspective about immigration’s true impact on our country.
