Public records from federal, state and local agencies reveal facts that contradict political rhetoric and anecdotal claims about Hispanic immigrants. These more reliable information sources reveal:
- Hispanic immigrants have lower divorce rates than native-born Americans.
- They have significantly lower incarceration rates for both violent and property crimes. The myth that immigrants bring crime has been repeatedly debunked by economists, criminologists and demographers.
- They show a higher rate of labor force participation, often filling essential roles in agriculture, construction and caregiving.
And perhaps most surprising: Hispanic immigrants — including the undocumented — pay more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. They are a net positive to public coffers and a net gain to our economy. To be employed, even undocumented immigrants must have either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. FICA taxes are deducted from their wages just as they are from those of all the rest of us. They receive W-2 or 1099 statements just like the rest of us and pay income tax at the same percentage as all others in their income bracket.
Yes, we need sensible immigration laws and the means to justly and humanely enforce them. But while Congress delays, why rush to deport those who live by the values we claim to uphold — family, hard work and civic contribution?
Doug Mortensen
Millcreek