LOVE IS MORE POWERFUL THAN HATE
Every person deserves dignity, safety, and the opportunity to thrive.
No family should live in fear of being separated.
No child should grow up without stability because of policies beyond their control.
No worker should be exploited in an economy that depends on their labor.
Our country’s history includes the displacement of Indigenous peoples, the labor of enslaved Africans, and generations of immigrants whose work helped build this nation. That truth matters — because how we understand our history shapes how we treat people today.
Immigrants are not separate from our communities. They are our neighbors, coworkers, family members, and friends — continuing to contribute every day.
And despite the rhetoric, the facts are clear:
MYTH: “Immigrants are a drain on the economy.”
FACT: Immigrants contribute trillions to the U.S. economy and are projected to drive long-term economic growth and reduce federal deficits.
MYTH: “They don’t pay taxes.”
FACT: Immigrants — including undocumented individuals — contribute billions each year in federal, state, and local taxes.
MYTH: “They rely on public systems without contributing.”
FACT: Many immigrants pay into programs like Social Security and Medicare, including those who are not eligible to receive benefits.
MYTH: “They take jobs from others.”
FACT: Immigrants play a critical role in the workforce, especially in industries facing labor shortages, and help strengthen overall economic productivity.
MYTH: “They don’t contribute to society.”
FACT: Immigrants are entrepreneurs, innovators, and essential workers who help build and sustain our communities.
MYTH: “Immigration policies only affect immigrants.”
FACT: Millions of U.S. citizen children live in mixed-status families, meaning policies impact entire communities — not just individuals.
The data matters. It helps ground the conversation in truth.
But our commitment to immigrant communities is not just about numbers.
It is about values. It is about dignity. It is about the kind of communities we choose to build.
At Migrant Equity Southeast, we believe in a future where all families — regardless of where they come from — can live with safety, stability, and opportunity.
