There are many misconceptions regarding immigration that persist in society. These misconceptions about immigration can perpetuate negative attitudes and beliefs about immigrants, and can make it difficult for immigrants to access the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in the U.S. It’s important to educate ourselves about immigration and to seek out accurate information to dispel these myths.
Undocumented immigrants are criminals: This is a widely held belief that undocumented immigrants are more likely to commit crimes than citizens or legal residents. However, studies have shown that immigrants, including those who are undocumented, have lower crime rates compared to native-born citizens.
Immigrants take jobs away from native-born citizens: This is a common myth that suggests that immigrants are taking jobs away from native-born citizens. In reality, immigrants often fill jobs that are not desired by native-born workers, and can also create new jobs through their own businesses and consumer spending.
Immigrants don’t pay taxes: Immigrants, including those who are undocumented, contribute to the economy by paying sales, property, and other taxes. Undocumented immigrants also pay into social security, although they are not eligible to receive benefits.
Immigrants receive more government benefits than citizens: Immigrants, including those who are undocumented, are generally not eligible for most government benefits, including welfare, food stamps, and Medicaid.
All immigrants come to the U.S. illegally: A large number of immigrants come to the U.S. legally through a variety of programs, including work visas, student visas, and family visas. Additionally, many refugees come to the U.S. through the asylum process.
There are many misconceptions about the United States immigration process that can cause confusion and misinformation. Some common ones include:
The process is easy and quick: The reality is that the immigration process can be complex and time-consuming, with many steps and requirements to meet. It can take years to complete and the wait times can be long, even for those with a clear and straightforward case.
Undocumented immigrants can obtain citizenship easily: Undocumented immigrants face significant barriers to obtaining citizenship, including the requirement to first obtain legal status. The process can be long, difficult, and expensive, and there is no guarantee of success.
All immigrants can access government benefits: Only certain categories of immigrants are eligible for government benefits, such as refugees and those with lawful permanent residency (green card holders). Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for most government benefits.
All immigration cases are handled in the same way: Immigration cases can vary greatly depending on the individual circumstances, including the type of visa or status being sought, the country of origin, and the grounds for seeking admission or relief.
All immigration applications are approved or denied: Many immigration cases are subject to discretionary decision-making by immigration officials, and there may not be a clear answer of approval or denial. Some cases may result in a request for additional information or evidence, or may be placed in administrative processing.
It’s important to seek out accurate information about the immigration process and to understand that each case is unique and may involve a different set of rules, requirements, and outcomes. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure that you are taking the right steps to achieve your immigration goals.
At Passage Immigration, we understand that the US immigration system and legal requirements can be overwhelming. We are here to help you with any of your immigration concerns or questions. If you need to file for advance parole but would like assistance, please visit our website or call us at (503) 427-8243.