Immigration: Myths or Facts

Immigrants do not contribute to the economy.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

In Florida alone, immigrant-owned businesses generate a $595,700,00 total revenue.

Immigrants do not want to speak English.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Over 70% of immigrants in Florida speak English “well” or “very well.”

Immigrant households strengthen the economy.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

They represent:

 - 73,100,000,000 in spending power

- 17,000,000,000 in federal taxes

- 6,400,000,000 in state and local taxes

Immigrants are essential to the labor force.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

1 in 4 workers in Florida labor force is an immigrant.

We depend on immigrant labor for our food.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Almost ½ of all workers in Florida’s agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry are immigrants.

Most immigrants are undocumented.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Out of 4.4 million immigrants in Florida, only 656,000 are undocumented.

Immigrants come to the U.S. to take advantage of the benefits but do not want to work.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

67% of Florida’s immigrants are working compared to 64% of Florida’s U.S. born population.

Immigrants support our healthcare system.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

42% of health aides and 24% of nurses in Florida are foreign-born.

Few children are affected by deportations.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

•1.4 million children in Florida have at least 1 immigrant parent

•84% of these children are U.S. children.

Immigrants do not pay taxes.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Immigrant households in Florida paid 29 billion in state, local, and federal taxes in 2017.