The United States has been perceived as the land of opportunity because of the contributions made by immigrants. Despite this, xenophobia continues to wrap itself around negative narratives about immigrants — ultimately shaping stereotypes and misconceptions about the community. Therefore, it is essential to address them to gain a deeper understanding and foster a welcoming environment for all, regardless of immigration status. For that reason, join me as I uncover the truth about these misconceptions.

America cares more for undocumented immigrants than documented Americans

The statement that American politicians “care more” for undocumented immigrants than documented Americans is false. Undocumented immigrants do not qualify for federal assistance programs and, therefore, do not have the resources documented Americans hold; benefits such as financial assistance from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Social Security programs for retirement and stimulus checks are not available to undocumented individuals.

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Immigration reform is long overdue, but it is up to the Supreme Court to rule whether it permits Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals to stay. Additionally, while undocumented immigrants can become organ donors, they cannot receive organ transplants, and states such as Florida and Texas (and many more) do not permit undocumented immigrants to receive a driver’s license.

Florida’s Senate Bill 1718 also sets the tone for how little American states care for their undocumented residents: It makes it a requirement for hospitals to collect and report healthcare costs for undocumented immigrants, yet states that anyone who transports undocumented immigrants is committing a second-degree felony and is subject to a $10,000 fine as well as up to 15 years in prison. If America actually cared about its undocumented residents, there would already be progressive immigration reform at the state level alone.

Undocumented immigrants don’t pay taxes but still get benefits

Whether documented or undocumented, everyone has to pay taxes for sales, property, consumption and even income. The notion that undocumented immigrants do not pay taxes and abuse government assistance programs has been proven false. It has been shown that between half and three-quarters of undocumented households file income tax returns using Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITINs), and those who do not pay through ITINs still pay taxes through paycheck deductions. 

In 2019 alone, undocumented immigrants contributed over 492 billion dollars in taxes — including state, municipal and sales taxes. However, even with a contribution of billions of dollars in total taxes, undocumented immigrants still do not receive tax benefits such as food stamps, stimulus checks, retirement programs and other taxpayer funded programs.    

Immigrants don’t want to become citizens

The naturalization process is not as simple as applying and getting a swift response. Immigrants come to the U.S. for various reasons — many to reunite with family, escape poverty or war and seek better opportunities. However, the avenues to become citizens in the U.S. are extremely limited; the immigration system is highly restrictive, and many immigrants are barred from even applying, including those with U.S. citizens in their immediate family. 

Even immigrants who are eligible for citizenship are faced with extensive requirements and backlogs which delay the process for years, with no assurance of naturalization. The misconception that immigrants don’t want to be citizens is false — the challenge in gaining citizenship is not due to lack of desire, but because of the broken immigration system. 

Undocumented immigrants do not have any rights in the U.S.

Undocumented immigrants live in constant fear of deportation, and many are unaware of the rights they hold in this country. Undocumented immigrants are protected under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, as the text mentions “people” rather than being exclusive to “citizens” in several places.

Immigrants have the right to freedom of speech and religion, the right to be treated fairly, the right to privacy and the other fundamental rights outlined in the Constitution. Furthermore, individuals, regardless of their immigration status, are protected under the due process clause and the equal protection clause — which include unreasonable searches and seizures. Additionally, some states such as California have pushed legislation for further protection of their undocumented residents.

Misconceptions such as these have long been rooted in racist and xenophobic narratives. Indeed, despite the massive economic and cultural contributions undocumented immigrants contribute to this country, they have yet to be properly represented by the government and misrepresented by these misbeliefs. Immigrants continue to work endlessly in this country,  and regardless of citizenship, everyone living in the United States should be afforded the same rights. 

With this, we should listen to the undocumented community and support them in ways that the government does not — including educating yourself on separating misconstructions from reality. 

Heydy Vasquez is a sophomore writing about the lack of support for undocumented students on college campuses. Her column, “UndocuTales,” runs every other Wednesday.