Understanding Immigration, Crime, and the Facts Beyond Political Rhetoric

Understanding Immigration, Crime, and the Facts Beyond Political Rhetoric

Personally, I support open borders for skilled and essential workers in any country that have been vetted. As someone with multiple citizenships and residences outside my home country, I understand firsthand the value of global mobility. Countries, especially the United States, need outside talent not only to fill jobs that people don’t want to do but also for work that people simply can’t do.

Immigration has always been a polarizing topic in the U.S., often tangled in myths, fear, and political soundbites. Claims linking immigrants—especially undocumented immigrants—to rising crime rates have become commonplace. But what happens when we break through the rhetoric and focus on the facts? Let’s dive into the truth about immigration, crime, and why evidence matters more than "fake news" or the agendas of "politrickans".

Breaking Down Immigration Numbers
The conversation around immigration often starts with numbers, but even those can be misleading. According to FactCheck.org (www.factcheck.org/2024/02/breaking-down-the-immigration-figures), claims of “8-10 million illegal crossings” are exaggerated. Here’s the reality:

Since President Biden took office, 6.5 million migrant encounters have been recorded at the southern border.
Of those, only 2.5 million were released into the U.S.
2.8 million were removed or expelled.
Politicians often include repeated crossing attempts and unrelated data, inflating numbers to create fear. Immigration is complex, and broad claims overlook the truth: the majority of immigrants—documented or undocumented—seek a better life, not criminal opportunities.

 
The Myth of Immigrants and Crime
The idea that immigrants bring crime is a myth, and data proves it. The American Immigration Council (www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/debunking-myth-immigrants-and-crime) reveals:

From 1980 to 2022, as the immigrant population in the U.S. increased, crime rates—both violent and property crimes—decreased significantly.
State-level studies between 2017-2022 showed no correlation between immigration levels and crime rates.
In fact, immigrants, including those undocumented, are statistically less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens.

Breaking Down Immigrant Crimes
Let’s be real: crime happens, and one crime—especially something as severe as murder—is one too many. But blaming an entire group for the actions of a few is neither factual nor fair. Let’s look at the breakdown:

Studies show that out of thousands of undocumented immigrants, only a small fraction commit crimes.
The majority of immigrant crimes are low level, such as petty theft or trespassing.
When compared to crimes like rape or murder, the numbers are strikingly low. For example, data from Texas law enforcement found that undocumented immigrants were responsible for far fewer serious offenses (murder, sexual assault) than U.S.-born individuals.

 
A Reminder About Hypocrisy
Let’s remember the words of Jesus:

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”
We can apply this same principle to immigration:

How many businesses, homeowners, or contractors have hired undocumented workers for yard work, construction, housekeeping, or handyman jobs?
How many institutions, from higher education to hospitals, have relied on the skills and dedication of undocumented workers?
If you haven’t, then speak now.

But for many, the truth is clear: undocumented immigrants are often the hardest workers in this country. Why? Because every day, they live with the knowledge that they could be ripped from their families and livelihoods at any moment. They work tirelessly, not out of privilege but out of necessity and resilience.

Immigration is complicated. Casting blame without acknowledging our shared realities is hypocritical.

 
One Crime is Too Many, But Facts Matter
It’s important to emphasize: one murder is one too many. Every life lost to violence is a tragedy, and no one disputes that. However, we cannot paint millions of immigrants with the same brush because of isolated incidents. Doing so not only distorts reality but also fuels division.

The facts are clear: most immigrants—documented or undocumented—are law-abiding people who contribute to society.

 
The Danger of 'Fake News' and 'Politrickans'
"Fake news" and misleading political narratives create division, not solutions. Instead of blaming the majority for the actions of a few, let’s focus on:

Real evidence and data to guide immigration policies.
Practical solutions to address immigration challenges.
Unity over fear, because most immigrants contribute positively to our communities and economy.

Conclusion: Truth Over Rhetoric
When we look at the facts, the myth that immigrants—especially undocumented ones—are driving crime simply doesn’t hold up. While one crime is too many, the majority of immigrants come to the U.S. to build better lives, not to commit violence.

We must challenge the rhetoric, hold politrickans accountable, and recognize the truth: immigration is far more nuanced than the headlines suggest, and many undocumented individuals have played essential roles in our economy and communities.

Instead of casting stones, let’s focus on solutions rooted in truth, fairness, and humanity.

 
Sources:

Breaking Down the Immigration Figures: www.factcheck.org/2024/02/breaking-down-the-immigration-figures
Debunking the Myth of Immigrants and Crime: www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/debunking-myth-immigrants-and-crime
 
Final Thought: Let’s stop blaming the hardworking majority for the actions of a few and recognize immigration for what it truly is: complicated, human, and deserving of honest conversation. In the words of Julius Malema "don't hate your future employers.".