Immigration

Many of America’s immigrants are drawn by economic opportunity and the prospect of a better life. Immigrants have long held an important and contentious role in the American economy. The politics of immigration are fueled by fear that immigrants take jobs and reduce wages for native-born workers, though economists disagree about whether this is true. Immigrants, particularly undocumented immigrants, face higher barriers to prosperity and often perform labor-intensive work. The median income for immigrant families with children is 20 percent lower than the median income for native-born families. This section of the Spotlight website gathers the latest research, news and opinion on immigration and poverty.