Mr. President. there has been. during the course of our recent and continuing debate over immigration reform. a great deal said over the impact of immigration upon the United States. We have heard that immigrants are "welfare abusers." that undocumented aliens heavily use welfare services. and that immigrants pay less than their share of taxes. Those of us who have followed these issues closely know such emotional charges are Just thataccusations based upon fear. From many welldocumented sourcesincluding the General Accounting Office and the U.S. Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policywe know that the facts show immigrants pay their way. and undocumented aliens are. in many respects. undocumented taxpayers. Added to this research is a recent essay circulated by the Heritage Foundation entitled "Nine Myths About Immigration." written by Prof. Julian Simon. who is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a professor at the University of Maryland. For those Members of Congress who are constantly badgered by complaints over the impact of current immigration trends. I believe Professor Simons concluding thoughtsbased upon extensive researchshould prove reassuring. He concludes: Exactly how beneficial Immigrants are to the U.S. society and economy may be debated. What is certain. however. is that many of the alleged costs of immigrants are simply unfounded. hollow myths. Mr. President.
Identified stereotypes
Generalizations about immigrants being welfare abusers and not paying their share of taxes.