Immigration happens when individuals go to live permanently in foreign countries. People immigrate for many reasons, such as getting away from a forced or abusive marriage, escaping conflict and persecution, the effects of natural disasters, and other environmental factors. Whatever the purpose or reason for resettlement, the influx of migrants brings many benefits to the United States. Migrants lead to changes in areas they have settled that affect both their lives and those of the natives.
People migrate to the United States to find better working opportunities. The United States has invested in economic sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, and vehicle assembly. All these sectors together provide a broad base of job opportunities to choose from. Many people who emigrate to the United States do so because job opportunities in their home countries are scarce. Jobs in the United States also have better wages than most employment opportunities in the home countries of migrants. Most foreigners moving to the US choose to settle in locations that offer better opportunities for them and their children (Abramitzky et al. 580). A wide variety of jobs to choose from and better wages make the United States an attractive place to migrate to.
Immigrants believe that living and working conditions in the United States are significantly better than what they currently have. People from countries worldwide migrate to the United States to access the work opportunities and education services available. Access to modern and better healthcare facilities that might not be present in their home countries is a contributing factor too. The wide range of entertainment options available in the United States is also considered by immigrants as most people consider these an integral part of comfortable living. The citizens of the United States have easy access to quality basic needs such as housing, health, and education that are readily accessible. The availability of such services has made the United States a desirable destination for many immigrants.
Most people believe that having an education is essential and the key to success. As such, many methods of getting an education have developed worldwide, and one of the most recognized is attending school. The United States has many schools that can deliver quality education and offer foreign language classes. Thus, with the United States being the preferred destination for migrants from different cultures and countries worldwide, the availability of first-class educational institutions makes it even more desirable. According to Castaneda and Shemesh, migrant workers improve the work pool and enhance competitiveness worldwide (14). The United States sources labor globally, which enables it to have teachers and tutors from many countries hence integrating education from all over the world.
Some countries experience political unrest and conflicts between communities and religions. Political instability disrupts lives and significantly contributes to people’s migration. Places that experience conflicts and upheavals have poor economic growth, leading to lowered living standards. Immigrants to the United States experience several barriers, such as poor access to services and a lack of interpreter services (Adunlin et al. 606). Housel states that the availability of interpreters is critical in building relationships but is also a requirement of federal law (195). Despite this, the United States attracts many migrants because it rarely experiences political unrest or intercommunity conflicts. The United States is home to many religions, and all citizens live peacefully, understanding that each religion matters differently. Many people prefer moving to the United States to escape the conflicts and live better lives with fewer disruptions which leads to personal and national growth.
Immigration into the United States has led to changes affecting the migrant population, the natives, and the national economy in general. Castaneda and Shemesh state that migration is both a cause and effect of and a crucial element of globalization (14). Due to the high number of immigrants, the labor force increases, which leads to increased economic production. Many industries and firms can produce at maximum capacity because of the available labor, which is a critical resource in the production and manufacturing industry. Economic growth results in increased tax revenues, increasing the federal government’s ability to fund projects. Spending by the government leads to increases in social amenities that are a benefit all United States citizens enjoy.
Immigrants come with skills and ideas learned from their home countries. Many immigrants comprise the working-age ready group, increasing the labor force available while still increasing the quality of labor provided. An improved workforce also leads to a remarkable number of inventions. Many discoveries are made when ideas from different sources and perspectives are combined. The research and technology base also increases, which leads to the production of modern solutions to modern problems. Immigrants, together with natives, harmonize their ideas to improve the working environment in the United States.
Immigration into the United States has led to an increase in the flexibility of labor markets. Many migrants possessing different skill sets move into the United States looking for jobs due to dissatisfaction in their home countries. When they arrive in the United States, they tend to go to high-wage economies, leading to an increased demand for labor. Labor flexibility allows industries to make decisions about their labor force in response to market changes and help boost production. Flexible labor laws enable companies to hire and fire employees, change working conditions and hours, and decide on compensations and benefits. This results in improved productivity, higher wages, and faster job creation.
Immigration highly benefits immigrants and advances the quality of their lives. Immigrants get to achieve their dream jobs and access excellent working conditions and better wages resulting in enhanced living conditions and access to social amenities. Monras states that the migrant low-skilled workers help lower labor costs and housing prices with high-immigrant populations increase (2). The immigrants can access better education which helps them devise ways to maximize their resources to live better lives. Immigration also allows interaction with different people and enhances cohesion. It enables immigrants and natives to embrace diversity and appreciate each other’s differences. This leads to an improved culture of growth and interdependence between workers and residents.
Taxes are a vital source of revenue for the government. Immigrants cause an upsurge in population, increasing the total amount of taxes collected from all citizens. The federal government uses the funds collected from taxes to provide social infrastructure facilities such as roads, railways, power lines, and water lines. Social facilities, such as schools, stadiums, and hospitals, are also founded and run through taxes. United States citizens achieve all these benefits through the federal government without strain owing to the presence of immigrants. The federal government also creates a good working relationship with the governments of countries where immigrants immigrate.
It is clear that no matter the reason, the benefits reaped from immigration are many. People migrate searching for better education and working conditions and to escape violence and insecurities. Immigration leads to improved economic output, flexibility in labor markets, and an increased workforce. Therefore, immigration benefits migrant workers and the native population and uniquely benefits the federal government. People should thus stop viewing immigrants negatively and begin enjoying the benefits they bring with them. Immigration may negatively impact areas that witness an increase in population and, thus, overwhelm public services.
Works Cited
Abramitzky, Ran, et al. “Intergenerational Mobility of Immigrants in The United States Over Two Centuries”. American Economic Review, vol. 111, no. 2, 2021, pp. 580-608.
Adunlin, Georges, et al. “Barriers and Facilitators to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Immigrants in The United States”. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, vol. 21, no. 3, 2018, pp. 606-658.
Castañeda, Ernesto, and Amber Shemesh. “Overselling Globalization: The Misleading Conflation of Economic Globalization and Immigration and the Subsequent Backlash”. Social Sciences, vol. 9, no. 5, 2020, p. 61.
Housel, David A. “Supporting the Engagement and Participation of Multicultural, Multilingual Immigrant Families in Public Education in the United States: Some Practical Strategies.” School Community Journal, vol. 30, no. 2, 2020, pp. 185-209.
Monras, Joan. “Immigration and Wage Dynamics: Evidence from the Mexican Peso Crisis”. Journal of Political Economy, vol. 128, no. 8, 2020, pp. 3017-3089.