Immigration refers to people who move from one country to another, usually with the intent of living permanently in their new home. Every day, millions of people around the world make this difficult decision. They leave their homes and travel to other countries in search of better lives, good jobs, or a safe place for themselves and their families.
People have been migrating to other countries for millennia, often seeking opportunity and freedom that they could not find at home. Some, like the migrants who moved from Europe to the Americas in the 1800s, left because of war or harsh governments. Others are refugees who flee violence, hunger, or natural disasters. Still more are economic migrants who leave their countries for work opportunities abroad.
The United States is home to a diverse group of immigrants, who make up 13 percent of the nation’s population. The vast majority of these individuals are working, and most have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with more than half holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Most immigrant-born adults are of working age and will continue to contribute to the economy for years to come.
Many Americans believe that immigrants are taking jobs from American workers, but the evidence does not support this claim. In fact, research indicates that immigrants are raising the supply of low- and middle-skilled labor in the U.S. and, in some cases, boosting the wages of native-born workers. In addition, immigrant-born people have also boosted the overall productivity of the American workforce and raised the pace of innovation in the United States.
Immigrants bring with them a rich culture and traditions that enrich the nation’s societies and businesses. But some immigrant groups face barriers to full participation in society, including language and educational barriers, a lack of social connections, and the challenges of assimilation into their new communities.
Despite these challenges, the vast majority of immigrants are highly satisfied with their lives in the United States and report many successes. They cite a wide variety of reasons for their decisions to come to the United States: the ability to pursue their dreams, better education and career opportunities for themselves and their children, greater safety and security, and the chance to enjoy all that the country has to offer.
The United States has a long history of welcoming newcomers and must continue to open its doors for those who seek a better life, especially as the country faces an aging population and the insolvency of its Social Security and Medicare systems. In order to sustain its global leadership, the United States must ensure that legal pathways for immigration remain open. To this end, it is important that Congress expand these avenues and provide a path to citizenship for those who qualify. This report examines the economic and societal impacts of this vital policy issue. It also offers a window into the experiences of individual immigrants through interviews and focus groups.