Opinion: Consider our ancestry and be positive when debating immigration

Let’s change the conversation about immigration. The United States has long been a country of immigrants. Our diversity has strengthened both our nation and our standing in the world. Now we are being bombarded by fearful imagery and blatant lies focused on the problems of migration and the problems new migrants will bring. Let’s put fear aside and focus on some truths.

Most immigrants have had to struggle through hardships to create opportunities for themselves. They are hardworking people of good character who value family life. Unfortunately, most unauthorized immigrants tend to live in the shadows, while a few notorious immigrants gain the spotlight and infect public opinion. It is important to keep in perspective that violence and social problems are caused by a small minority of those who cross our borders.

Immigrants come with talents and skills. It is important to recognize the contributions and achievements of immigrants and realize the importance of welcoming individuals from around the globe. They are founders of high-tech companies, inventors and small business owners. A study by Sari and William Kerr in the Harvard Business Review notes that immigrants account for about one quarter of entrepreneurs and inventors, even though they represent only about 15 percent of the U.S. workforce. The National Foundation for American Policy has kept track of American Nobel Prize winners and highlights the fact that 33 of 85 American winners in chemistry, medicine and physics since 2000 have been immigrants. We often take for granted the advances made by immigrants in the scientific fields which enhance our daily life and health.

Newcomers contribute to the economy by producing goods and by being consumers. They are often willing to take jobs that others would not want. According to the National Center for Farmworker Health, 85 percent of the fruits and vegetables we enjoy are handpicked by farm workers, many of whom are immigrants. Immigrants have also excelled in sports, the arts and other fields as well. Foreign born journalists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, teachers and public safety personnel are part of the fabric of our society. We have favorite restaurants featuring ethnic foods of every description.

Amid concerns about the future of Social Security and the looming federal deficit, we should imagine the benefits of giving undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship. As citizens, they would have decent paying jobs, and pay more taxes. Many people do not realize that immigrants, even the undocumented, are paying sales, income and property taxes. They contribute an estimated $11.64 billion in state and local taxes. Undocumented immigrants pay at least $7 billion in Social Security taxes. We have an aging population in the U.S., and need immigrants who will raise their families in the U.S. Over time, this will increase the numbers of younger workers who can contribute to Social Security, which by design is a means of inter-generational transfer.

Many people think that unauthorized immigrants get welfare and public health insurance benefits. This is simply not true. Federal law requires that even legal immigrants must wait five years for these benefits.

Almost all of us trace our roots to immigrants who came to the U.S. seeking opportunities and a better life. When we are talking with others about this issue, we should interject positive comments and not perpetuate the negative narrative. It is time to put aside fear and selfishness, and to share the American dream.

Authors Jane M. Griffin, Elaine L’Etolle, Linda Johnson, Sheila M. Matthews of Somerset, and Elizabeth Monteiro are Pax Christi members National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette.