As we enter the new millennium, immigration, the backbone of America's growth and source of its power, is still a controversial issue. It seems a bit ironic that a nation built on the efforts of immigrants from the past would have problems with a continuing influx of fresh strength, but such is the case. And seeing as the issue will not be going away any time soon, judging from the changes happening in countries around the world, it would be a good idea to become aware of the myths and the facts and make a difference in your community by helping to educate others.

According to recent 2000 census statistics, the population in the United States has grown 13.2 percent since 1990 to reach just over 280,000,000. Immigrants are responsible for 60% of this growth, and figures show that increases will continue into the future. By 2006 the population is expected to reach 300 million and 400 million by 2050.

With numbers like these, people are bound to take sides on the issue of immigration and a hotly contested debate it has become. Below you will find some myths and facts about those who travel from far and wide to partake in the American experience. Take a look at them, and read on to find out what you can do.

Myths and Facts

Myth: Immigrants take jobs away from Americans. Fact: Nothing could be further from the truth. Studies have shown that quite the opposite is true: Immigrants create jobs. Specifically various recent studies have shown that: Immigrants are more likely to be self-employed and start new businesses. Small businesses, 18 percent of which are started by immigrants, account for up to 80 percent of the new jobs available in the United States each year. Slightly more than 10 percent of the U.S. industrial workforce, or roughly 2.2 million Americans, are employed by foreign companies doing business in the United States. Additionally, the top 105 multinational corporations doing business here have U.S. affiliates that are so large they would qualify for the Fortune 500 list solely on the basis of their stateside operations.

Myth: America is being overrun by immigrants. Fact: This, unfortunately, is another case where perception is out of sync with reality. To be sure, the number of immigrants living in the United States is larger than ever before, but these numbers are relatively small as a percentage of the population. More importantly, the percentage of immigrants in the total population has decreased. So far, no single decade has topped 1901-1910 for immigration admissions. Further, even though the United States has one of the world's most generous refugee resettlement programs, less than 1.5 percent of the world's refugee population finds its way to the United States. Perhaps the misperception regarding numbers of immigrants rests in the fact that in the 1980s, three-quarters of all immigrants entering the United States settled in just six states: California, New York, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and Illinois. Also, the vast majority of immigrants settle in urban areas. In 1990, 93 percent of foreign-born Americans lived in metropolitan areas, compared with 73 percent of native-born Americans.

Myth: Most immigrants are a drain on the U.S. economy. Fact: Once again, nothing could be further from the truth: Immigrants collectively earn $240 billion a year, pay $90 billion a year in taxes, and receive $5 billion in welfare. New immigrants must prove that they won't be a burden before they are allowed to enter the United States. Compared to the native-born population, immigrants are more likely to be employed, save more of their earnings, and are more likely to start new businesses. Immigrants have a slightly higher per capita income than natives and a slightly lower household income. But, their income levels rise over time: Among those entering before 1980, median household income in 1989 was $35,733 (vs. $30,176 for natives) and per capita income was $19,423 (vs. $14,367 for natives). Non-refugee immigrants of working age are less prone to welfare than natives.

Myth: Immigrants aren't really interested in becoming part of American society. Fact: All evidence points to the contrary. Immigrants are very interested in being part of our society. In fact, the grandparents and parents of immigrant children have expressed some concern that their youngsters are assimilating too quickly. Immigrants want to learn and speak English. Reports from throughout the United States indicate that the demand for classes in English as a second language far outstrips supply. After 15 years in America, 75 percent of Spanish-speaking immigrants speak English on a regular basis. The children of immigrants, although bilingual, prefer English to their native tongue at astounding rates. Immigrants and refugees intermarry outside their group at a rate of 1 in 3. The rate is even higher, 1 out of 2, for their children.

Myth: Immigrants contribute little to American society. Fact: Baloney. Besides their significant economic contributions, immigrants continually have helped shape and mold the fabric of our society. Immigrants, for the most part, are firm believers in family unity. They are more likely than natives to live in families: 76 percent vs. 70 percent. They also tend to have more children: 2.25 vs 1.93. Immigrants are more likely to be married: 60 percent vs. 55 percent. Only 8 percent of immigrants are divorced or separated compared to 11 percent of natives. Immigrants recognize the value of an education. While many lack a high school education, they are just as likely as natives to hold a college degree: 20 percent. That rate rose during the 1980s: Among those admitted in 1987-1990, 29 percent held a college degree. Immigrants are also twice as likely as natives to hold Ph.D.'s. Immigrants respect the law as much, if not more, than native born Americans. They are less likely than natives to be confined to a state prison. Among the five states with the most immigrants - California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas - only New York has a greater share of immigrants in its prisons than in its general population. So, who are these people we call immigrants? They could be your parents, your grandparents, your teachers, your friends, your doctors, your policemen, your grocer, your waiter, your cook, your babysitter, your gardener, your lawyer, your favorite actor, actress, or sports hero, your mayor, your congressman or senator, your shopkeeper. Immigrants permeate the fabric of America. They are an integral and important part of our society, its goals and its values. They are the backbone that helps make this country great. They are what sets us apart from every nation in this world. In short, they are us.

Now that you have some background information on the issues, check out the other links provided in this article to learn more. If you are an immigrant to the United States, or interested in becoming involved, log on to The National Immigration Forum's site at http://www.immigrationforum.org and have your voice heard. The ASPIRA Association's web site at http://info@aspira.org was created to assist Latino youth in this endeavor.

Immigration is an issue that will be with us for some time to come. Make sure that you have all the facts about who they are, why they want to be here and what effects they will have before you make decisions regarding someone else's future.

Team