The earliest migration to North America occurred over 20,000 years ago, with Native Americans crossing from Asia, according to the U.S. Immigration Timeline. A significant wave of immigration began in the 1840s, drastically transforming America’s culture and society. Since then, these migrants have played a crucial role in the rise of the U.S. economy, agriculture, and other key sectors.
Immigrants commonly work in fields such as natural resources, construction, and maintenance, those of which are all vital to the economy. The Council on Foreign Relations notes that undocumented immigrants make up 19% of the workforce, with a 67% labor participation rate among the foreign-born population compared to 62% among U.S. natives. In addition, many immigrants also own businesses, contributing to economic growth. 55% of new companies founded by migrants have generated over $1 billion in revenue, producing 23% of patents between 1990 and 2016.
In agriculture, immigrants fill farm labor roles that are often less appealing to American workers. A study by the New American Economy finds that more than half of farmworkers are immigrants, estimating to be around 450,000 workers total. However, recent years have seen a 75% decrease in migrant farmworkers, which could be an effect of newly founded immigration policies. This unfortunate decline has led to labor shortages in farms, resulting in many growers struggling to stay in business or expand further.
Despite their contributions, immigrants face constantly significant challenges. Recent regulations, such as those from The White House, have portrayed undocumented immigrants as threats to national security. This stereotype overshadows the positive impact migrants have on the U.S., reflecting on flaws rather than strengths. Even long-term residents face deportation risks, which can separate them from their families and ultimately impact the children. The Society for Community Research and Action reports that deportations cause remarkable psychological distress for children left behind as well as deported individuals returning to the same unsafe conditions they were aiming to escape.
In conclusion, immigrants have been essential to the United States for decades, contributing notably to economic growth and the expansion of agriculture. We Americans should recognize their positive impact and consider the human cost of current immigration policies, rising to make a change for the greater good.
