As someone who’s spent over three decades representing immigrants, I’ve seen firsthand how often families are confronted with accusations of criminality. In reality, the data is clear: immigrants—including those without legal status—are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens. Between 1980 and 2022, as the immigrant share of the U.S. population doubled, overall crime fell dramatically. Studies have consistently shown that communities with more immigrants often see lower rates of violent and property crimes. The persistent idea that immigrants fuel crime is not only unsupported by research, but it also distracts from the real contributions immigrant families make to the safety and vibrancy of our neighborhoods.
The notion that noncitizens are influencing elections through illegal voting is a myth that surfaces every election cycle. Elections at the federal and most state levels require proof of citizenship, and the law imposes strict penalties for unlawful voting. Comprehensive studies and databases have found vanishingly few instances of noncitizen voting, most of which are honest mistakes by green card holders misinformed by well-meaning officials. The safeguards in place, along with the tiny number of proven cases, confirm that U.S. elections remain the domain of citizens and that the threat of noncitizen voter fraud is vastly overstated.
Contrary to a widespread belief, undocumented immigrants are significant contributors to the tax system at all levels. Even without access to most benefits, they pay billions each year in sales, income, and property taxes. Tools like the ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) allow millions to file tax returns and help fund public services like education and infrastructure. In 2023 alone, undocumented households contributed over $55 billion in taxes and held nearly $300 billion in spending power. The reality is that these families give far more than they receive and play an essential role in our country’s prosperity.
The rules about who can access federal public benefits are strict and often misunderstood. Undocumented immigrants generally cannot get Medicaid, SNAP, Medicare, or purchase insurance through the ACA Marketplace. They cannot receive Social Security despite paying into it. While lawful permanent residents can eventually access some assistance, there are long waiting periods and exceptions. Unfortunately, confusion and fear—especially over public charge rules—cause many eligible families to avoid aid even when their U.S. citizen children qualify. Understanding the facts can help prevent families from missing out on benefits for which they’re entitled.
The belief that immigrants undermine American workers is not supported by economic studies. Immigrants are key to growth in vital sectors—agriculture, health care, construction—and complement rather than compete with the U.S.-born labor force. They are overrepresented among entrepreneurs, job creators, and essential workers. Their presence sustains industries and supports innovation, benefiting the entire economy. Rather than taking jobs, immigrants often fill essential roles that keep our nation running and create new opportunities for everyone.
At Brodzki Jacobs, we understand that immigration issues touch every aspect of life, especially when misinformation causes stress for you and your family. If you have questions about any of these topics or need guidance, contact us at Brodzki Jacobs: 954-344-7737 or visit www.bjblawyers.com
