This Immigrant Heritage Month, Laura Collins, Director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative at the Bush Institute, shares how immigration benefits America’s economy, culture, military, and society.
America benefits from immigration, and we should keep immigrants’ role in society in mind as we debate what a reformed future immigration system should be.
Immigrants are a vital part of our economy. They pick our crops, teach our children, and care for our elderly. They are doctors, nurses, and dentists. They own Main Street businesses and found Fortune 500 companies. Some run iconic American brands.
Immigrants positively impact our culture. They’ve contributed to the rich variety of dishes that can be called American. Immigrants create the art and music and fashion we consume. Some of the athletes on our favorite teams are immigrants, as Dallas Mavericks fans know better than most. Immigrants proudly defend our country as members of our military.
America is blessed with these contributions no matter what path an immigrant took to get here. Whether they arrive with a job offer in hand, sponsored by a family member, or as a refugee who left everything behind, immigrants add to America.
But America deserves better than the outdated immigration system we have. The United States can maximize the economic benefits of immigration by reforming our system to bring in more immigrants whose education and skills match our open jobs.
We can respond with generosity to the undocumented workers who give their talents to the United States with little hope of ever becoming an American citizen. We can show our allies what it means to be the world’s beacon of freedom and opportunity by continuing to welcome and resettle refugees.
We can welcome immigrants while also maintaining our security and working with our regional allies to ensure that migration is managed and orderly rather than a crisis.
The United States needs an immigration system that will meet the needs of its 21st century economy and ensures our future prosperity, vitality, and security. Reform can make it more likely that immigrants will have a chance to contribute to America’s future.
