from The Forum on Immigration Research
Immigration: Why We Should Want More of It
Immigration has been a contentious issue in the United States for many years, with debates often focusing on security concerns and the potential negative economic impacts of increased immigration.Â
Blog Post by Dylan Boehm, Nicole Cabezas & Cherry Wang
January 17, 2023
However, research has consistently shown that increased immigration can have significant positive economic and social impacts for the United States. This report will examine the reasons why the United States should welcome more immigrants, focusing on the economic and social benefits that increased immigration can bring.
Economic Impact
One of the key reasons why the United States should welcome more immigrants is the positive economic impact that increased immigration can have. Research has consistently shown that immigrants are a net positive for the economy, contributing to growth and job creation.
Immigrants are highly entrepreneurial, with data showing that they are more likely to start businesses than native-born Americans. Immigrants have a long history of starting businesses in the United States, and research has shown that they continue to be a significant source of new business formation in the country. According to data from the Small Business Administration (SBA), immigrants are more likely to start businesses than native-born Americans.
A 2020 report from the SBA found that immigrants make up around 18% of the population in the United States, but they account for 28% of new business owners. Furthermore, the report found that immigrants are more likely to start businesses in industries such as construction, retail trade, and accommodation and food services.
Another study by the National Venture Capital Association and Pitchbook found that in 2018, more than 40% of the billion-dollar start-ups in the US had at least one founder who was an immigrant. These companies have created jobs and generated significant revenues and have become a major driving force in the American economy.
Research by the New American Economy (NAE) found that immigrants are twice as likely to start businesses as native-born Americans. Immigrants also start businesses at a younger age, with a median age of 40 compared to 47 for native-born Americans. NAE also found that in 2016, immigrant-owned businesses generated $1.3 trillion in revenue and employed 8 million workers. Data shows that immigrants play a vital role in the creation of new businesses in the United States. They are more likely to start businesses than native-born Americans and are responsible for a significant percentage of new business formation in the country. Immigrants are also more likely to start businesses in key industries such as construction, retail trade and accommodation and food services and have been a major contributor to the growth of the American economy. This is important as businesses started by immigrants tend to be innovative, creating jobs and driving economic growth. Furthermore, immigrants also tend to be highly skilled and educated, filling critical shortages in the workforce and increasing productivity.
Lastly, immigrants tend to be younger than the native-born population and have higher fertility rates, which can help to offset the aging of the population and the potential negative economic impacts that come with an aging population.
Social Impact
Increased immigration can also have significant positive social impacts for the United States. Immigrants bring diversity and cultural richness to the country, which enriches the society and helps to promote understanding and tolerance.
Immigrants also tend to be highly motivated and hardworking, which can help to promote social mobility and reduce poverty. Furthermore, immigrants tend to be highly civic-minded and are more likely to volunteer and be engaged in their communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this report has highlighted the many reasons why the United States should welcome more immigrants, focusing on the positive economic and social impacts that increased immigration can bring. Research has consistently shown that immigrants are a net positive for the economy, contributing to growth and job creation. Additionally, increased immigration can also have significant positive social impacts, bringing diversity and cultural richness to the country and promoting understanding and tolerance. It is important for the United States to have an open immigration policy that welcomes and integrates immigrants, in order to reap the many benefits that increased immigration can bring.
January 17, 2023
Authored by: Dylan Boehm, Nicole Cabezas & Cherry Wang
