Myth #1:  In polls, majority of Americans voted that immigration should be reduced

This isn’t true.  Americans aren’t against immigration at all when polled within the appropriate context.  Vince Breglio, a Republican pollster, found out that by a two-to-one margin, Americans voted that US citizens should continue to sponsor their adult children as well as brothers and sisters.  Grass Roots Research also released the results of a national poll that showed 61% of Americans agreeing with the statement saying “Anyone, from any country in the world, should be free to come to America if they are financially able to provide for themselves and their family.” With this in mind, you can at least be assured that not every American thinks negatively about immigrants.(3)

Myth #2:  Because of poor US border enforcement, there has been a higher rate of undocumented immigration.

The fact is that the budget of the Border Patrol increased six times between 1986 and 1998, and there are now double the number of agents patrolling the southern border.  The remote wilderness areas around the border are also inhospitable areas, making border crossings in those areas practically impossible.  The real reason behind undocumented immigration to the United States is that compared to the amount of jobs available to immigrants, the legal avenues for immigrants are insufficient.(4)  But this doesn’t mean that you should try to get into the US  as an undocumented immigrant because, if you’re discovered, you risk being deported.(5)

Myth #3:  Immigrants don’t pay any taxes

Immigrants are not exempt from paying taxes; they have to pay taxes just like everyone else.  In fact, immigrants pay around $90 to $140 billion a year when it comes to state, local, and federal taxes.  With immigrants earning around $240 billion each year, paying around $90 billion in taxes, and using only around $5 billion in public benefits, the government actually earns more off immigrants than it does off Americans.  Usually, it is undocumented immigrants that do not use public benefits for fear of getting caught.  This just goes to show that it would be better to come to America as a legal immigrant.(6)

Myth #4:  Most immigrants have illegally crossed the border, making them undocumented immigrants

Approximately two thirds of immigrants are legal immigrants, and almost 50% of illegal immigrants entered the country in a legal way.  This means that they came to the United States with visas allowing them to reside in the country temporarily as students, tourists, or temporary workers.  These immigrants were inspected by immigration officials before they were allowed entry into the country, and they became undocumented immigrants when they didn’t leave the country after their visas expired.  Illegal immigrants often don’t get to use public services, so make sure that you come to the US as a legal immigrant so that you can make the most out of your stay in the country.(7)

Myth #5:  Nothing could be done regarding the backlash against immigrants

If you’re scared about being discriminated against, or that it would be hard for you to cope in America because Americans will be against you being there, don’t worry too much.  The backlash against immigrants is being dealt with by well-meaning people through educating others in communities.  Even immigrants have rights too, and you can always seek help if you get to the United States and find that it’s hard for you to get a job or a place to stay in because you’re being discriminated against.(8)

Myth #6:  Immigrants are discriminated against because they are more likely to commit crime than native-born Americans

In the United States, immigrants in every ethnic group actually have lower rates of crime and imprisonment compared with the native-born Americans.  Even adolescent immigrants are less likely than native-born teenagers to engage in negative behaviors such as violence, substance abuse, and delinquency that often lead to imprisonment.  If you’re not going to be a threat to public safety and national security, then you don’t have to be afraid that immigration officials are going to be prejudiced against you because they think that you’re going to cause crime rates to rise.(9)

Myth #7:  Immigrants increase the unemployment rate of native-born Americans

There are some Americans believing that immigrants take away jobs from Americans.  This isn’t true at all.  For one, immigrants actually increase the demand for various services and goods because of their consumption.  Immigrants have also been found to have high rates of entrepreneurship, which can lead to the creation of jobs for Americans.  They also contribute to the economy and can necessitate the growth of markets.  Aside from that, immigrants can fill vital niches in both the high and low-skilled parts of the labor market, creating subsidiary job openings for Americans.  Although there may be many job opportunities in the United States, it would still be good to secure a job before you
go there, perhaps through an employment agency.(10)

Myth #8:  The United States spends billions of dollars on welfare benefits for undocumented immigrants

If you think you’re going to receive lots of welfare benefits for being an immigrant, then you have to know that undocumented immigrants are actually not qualified to receive any welfare benefits.  Even those who are legal immigrants are restricted when it comes to the benefits they can receive.  So you have to make sure that you’ll be able to sustain yourself and family when you immigrate to the United States.(11)

Common misperceptions regarding immigration to USA can result in doubt and suspicion.  This is why it’s very important for you to do some research about immigration and to seek the help of immigration lawyers if you plan to immigrate to the US.  After all, you wouldn’t want to get there illegally and find yourself deported, would you?(12)

Sources:

(1)  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Us_immigration
(2)  http://www.ehow.com/how_2382872_understand-top-five-immigration-myths.html
(3)  http://www.freetrade.org/node/562
(4)  http://www.ehow.com/how_4398118_understand-ten-immigration-myths-facts.html
(5)  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_immigration
(6)  http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2007/madeinla/special_02.html
(7)  http://www.aclu.org/immigrants/34870pub20080411.html
(8)  http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/45/110.html
(9)  http://www.payvand.com/news/07/aug/1004.html
(10)  http://sandiego.indymedia.org/en/2005/07/110140.shtml
(11)  http://www.aollatinoblog.com/2008/02/08/top-5-immigration-myths-of-this-campaign-season/
(12)  http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/newamericans/quiz.html

Myth #1:  Canada is just a nation of immigrants

Since 2001, there have been 221,352 to 262,236 people immigrating to Canada every year.  Although this seems like a huge figure, immigrants to Canada in 2001 did not make up more than one percent of the total population growth during that year.  This seems like such a small percentage of the population to call Canada a nation of immigrants.  Most inhabitants of Canada are those who have been there since birth, or native Canadians who have opted to stay in their homeland.  It is best that you don’t assume that there will be more immigrants in Canada than “real” Canadians.  Many people make the mistake of thinking that they will be able to find lots of people there from their native country and eventually blend into the scene.  These people, who come to Canada expecting to fit in right away, usually end up disappointed.(2)

Myth #2:  Just about anyone can immigrate to Canada

If you think you can easily qualify to immigrate to Canada, then you might be overconfident.  Just like in the United States, Canadian immigration is ruled by comprehensive legislation that only allows admission to those who are able to meet the legislative requirements.  This doesn’t mean, though, that you shouldn’t even try to immigrate to Canada because immigration rules are strict.  After all, denial of entry is limited to individuals who are threats to national security or public safety.  Make sure that you meet the statutory criteria related to criminality, security, and medical requirements, and you’ll probably get admitted to Canada.(3)

Myth #3:  The federal government extends more financial assistance to refugees than to Canadian pensioners

Do you want to run away from the oppression you’re experiencing in your own country?  Is immigrating to Canada one of the options you’re considering simply because you think you’re going to get much financial assistance there?  Well, the truth is that the federal government of Canada does give financial assistance to refugees.  But this financial aid is only for a short term and couldn’t compare to what Canadian pensioners make.  To sustain your life in Canada, you would still need to work.  It’s still vital for you to support yourself and your family financially.  It’s not enough for you to just rely on financial aid from the government, because this might not be enough to meet your needs.(4)

Myth #4:  Illegal immigrants in Canada are not detained

The legal basis for detaining immigrants in Canada is almost the same as that of the United States.  If you’re an illegal immigrant in Canada, don’t think that legal action won’t be done in case your real status is discovered.  If you are deemed to be a flight risk, or if you are found to be a danger to the public, or if you are a security threat, then you may be detained.  Once detained, you need to complete a security screening assessment before you gain a refugee or asylum status.(5)

Myth #5:  Once a married individual person becomes a permanent resident in Canada, the kids and spouse will immediately be allowed to immigrate

Think it’s easy to immigrate to Canada and it will only take a short time for you to get approved for immigration once your spouse has already been deemed a permanent resident of Canada? You might be in for a surprise.  Currently, it takes approximately eight to ten months for your application to be processed.  You can’t immediately join your spouse once permanent resident status is gained.  You and your kids will have to wait several months.  It would be good for you to make the necessary arrangements and to apply as early as possible if you wish to immigrate immediately.(6)

Myth #6:  It’s easy to find jobs in Canada if you’re a skilled worker

Canada keeps on enticing skilled workers to immigrate, but not all of them are able to find jobs immediately.  In fact, many of them arrive feeling positive and hopeful, only to find out that they will be rebuffed by different professional entities.  Some choose to be underemployed, starting from the bottom of the corporate ladder, just so they can find work and earn enough money to sustain their living.  This doesn’t mean, though, that all skilled workers who immigrate to Canada suffer from this fate.  If you plan to immigrate to Canada, it would be good for you to secure a job first through employment agencies before you go there.  This way, you are assured of a job and you won’t have to go job hunting when you get there.(7)

Myth #7:  Canada is a nation with no identity and no culture

In 1995, Sheila Finestone, who was then the Multiculturalism Minister, proclaimed that Canada has no culture.  This message got some people to think that Canada is looking for immigrants because it needs diversity — it needs people with culture because the country is so bereft of identity that it needs to fill itself with immigrants who have cultures of their own.(8)  Canada has culture, albeit one that is heavily influenced by French and British culture and traditions.(9)  The culture of the Aboriginal people in Canada has also become incorporated into the mainstream culture of modern Canada.(10)

Myth #8:  Canada is home to a large number of illegal immigrants

Although Canada has its share of illegal immigrants, the number of illegal immigrants in Canada is small compared to that in the United States.  There are around 60,000 to 200,000 illegal immigrants in Canada, which is a fairly small number compared to the 12 million illegal immigrants in the US.(11)

There are many exaggerated claims being made about Canada and its immigration policies.  What you should learn is that immigrating to Canada is a serious issue, one that you should think long and hard before doing.  You may be tempted by the prospect of greener pastures there, but make sure that you migrate legally so that you can enjoy all the benefits that being an immigrant in Canada has to offer.(12)

Sources:

(1)  http://blogs.chron.com/immigration/archives/2008/05/post_130.html
(2)  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_Canada#Immigration_rate
(3)  http://www.connect2canada.com/getthefactsimmigration/
(4)  http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/department/media/facts/aid.asp
(5) http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/san_francisco/bilat_can/misperceptions-mythes.aspx?lang=eng
(6)  http://www.workmatics.com/Mythbusters_immigration_style.aspx
(7)  http://deletetheborder.org/node/464
(8)  http://www.canadafirst.net/myths/myth12.html
(9)  http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/fr-rf/visit-eng.cfm
(10)  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Canada
(11) http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060307/website_myths_060307/20060307?hub=Canada&s_name=
(12)  http://www.nowpublic.com/world/canada-immigration-change-good-chequebooks-better