Ever since the United States became a melting pot of diversity, people have been concerned about how immigrants fit in when it comes to jobs and social services. At Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A., we understand that addressing these concerns can help to foster better relations among citizens and immigrants in Miami and elsewhere. Here, we’ll discuss some common employment and government benefit misconceptions as they apply to immigrants.
Are immigrants taking our jobs? As we’ve discussed in previous posts, the majority of jobs in the United States are held by legal citizens. Many positions taken by immigrants support and augment other industries and create additional jobs for millions of people.
Are illegal immigrants living on welfare benefits meant for Americans? According to CNN, legal immigrants must have lawfully resided in the United States at least five years before they are eligible for most forms of welfare, including Medicaid, food stamps and cash assistance. Undocumented immigrants do not qualify for these benefits.
Do undocumented immigrants pay taxes? Up to 75 percent of the undocumented foreigners in the country are employed at jobs that pay income tax, adding up to billions of dollars annually. They also contribute to Social Security. In fact, undocumented immigrants are ineligible for Social Security benefits, yet they pay about $15 billion to the program each year.
Immigrants contribute a great deal to our country and communities in numerous ways, from paying taxes to improving our economy by supporting local businesses. It is hoped that a better understanding of their role in our society will start to bridge the ethnic and social gap that seems to be prevalent these days. Learn about the process immigrants can take to become legal residents by visiting our page.