Part 1: Why Discuss Immigration?

I. Introduction: Why Discuss Immigration?

• Current Context: As of June 2026, the United States is approaching its 250th anniversary. This topic remains highly relevant due to its complex, personal nature and its historical role in presidential elections over the last 50 years.

• Key Statistics to Know:

  • The U.S. houses more immigrants than any other nation, with a foreign-born population peaking at a record 53.3 million (15.8% of the total U.S. population).

  • Immigrants account for roughly 20% (one-fifth) of the total U.S. labor force.

  • Illegal immigrants make up an estimated 11 million (or 25%) of the total immigrant population, meaning the vast majority of immigrants in the U.S. are here legally.

• Complexity of U.S. Policy: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Policy Manual is massive, spanning 1,537 pages if printed out. Oversimplifying the issue often leads to an inaccurate or incomplete understanding.

• Crime Data and Facts: Sweeping generalizations regarding legal status and crime do not align with the statistical data:

  • Native-born individuals are statistically more likely to be incarcerated than immigrants.

  • In Texas, undocumented immigrants are arrested for violent and drug crimes at less than half the rate of native-born citizens.

  • Native-born citizens are arrested for property crimes at four times the rate of undocumented immigrants.

• Economic Impact: Research from the Brookings Institute and Congressional Budget Office shows undocumented immigrants substantially boost the gross domestic product (GDP), projecting an $8.9 trillion nominal GDP boost over 10 years. Undocumented households hold about $299 billion in annual spending power.