Times Have Changed, the American Dream Hasn't
This year the White House commended the contributions of immigrants to the U.S., recognizing our nation’s growth is tied to immigration.
“The United States is a Nation of immigrants- shaped by the courageous people from around the world who leave their homes, lives, and loved ones to seek refuge and opportunity on our shores. Their sacrifices and entrepreneurial spirit have contributed to the rich tapestry that has defined the character of our country for generations. Since our founding, the very idea of America as a Nation of limitless possibilities has been nurtured and advanced by immigrants,” from the White House’s Proclamation on National Immigrant Heritage Month, 2022.
Economically speaking, immigration has positively impacted the U.S. through the decades. Maintaining a stream of workers for industries like construction, food and farming, healthcare, manufacturing, and childcare, amongst others. Millions of immigrants who have supported the nation’s growth have, in turn, become citizens and successfully established careers as CEO’s, too- Safra Catz, CEO of Oracle is from Israel, Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella is from India, Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi from Iran, Tesla’s own Elon Musk originally from South Africa, and the list goes on.
Immigrants Contribute to the U.S.
The U.S. has much to gain by continuing to incorporate immigrants in the workforce, for more than just wage jobs.
Research from the Migration Policy Institute showed that, “in 2019, 33 percent (12.9 million) of the 39.5 million immigrants ages 25 and older had a bachelor’s degree or higher, similar to U.S.-born adults. However, newer arrivals tend to be better educated; 48 percent of immigrants who entered the country between 2014 and 2019 held at least a bachelor’s degree.”
For immigrants who have contributed to our nation with their hard work, taxes, and community involvement, citizenship is just a way to solidify their lives as Americans. For companies seeking to expand, citizenship is a way to responsibly utilize an already capable workforce. Ultimately, immigrants will continue to be a driving force for the country. Especially as the children of immigrants get more involved in their communities.
“No matter when their parents came to the U.S. or what country they came from, children of immigrants have higher rates of upward mobility than their U.S.-born peers.” This is what researchers and professors Ran Abramitzky, Leah Platt Boustan, Elisa Jácome, and Santiago Pérez found through their research published in the American Economic Review.
While politics or the media can continuously focus on the hardships immigrants face to arrive to the U.S., it is equally important to share their achievements and recognize their value. At One Percent for America (OPA) we honor immigrants every day. Through our innovative approach to financing for USICS fees, we are creating a community of borrowers and lenders that invest in citizenship. As a nation built by immigrants we celebrate their contributions, and work to help them achieve their goals through citizenship. To reach the American dream.
