Discussion Questions: The Most Common Arguments Against Immigration and Why They’re Wrong

By Alex Nowrasteh

Published January 12, 2023

Economics, Immigration

Completion Questions

List the 5 principal reasons behind the positive overall effect of immigrants on native born American wages.
In 2006, how much did non‐elderly illegal immigrants consume in government healthcare benefits? What is their percentage of the total spending for the same group that year?
Is the illegal immigrant crime rate higher or lower of native‐born Americans in Texas?
List the four categories of green cards. What categories are missing?
List three facts that surprised you. Explain.

What are some reasons people immigrate to the United States?
Explain the misconception of why immigrants enter this country illegally.
Should we open immigration and develop an easier path for legal immigration? What’s the strongest argument opposed to your perspective?
What rights should an immigrant have in our country?
Where do you think all the myths in the pamphlet originated from? Use history and present‐day examples.

Is Immigration an issue in your region or city? If so, why?
What if there were no immigrants in your area, what would happen?
What are sanctuary cities? Argue for and against them.
What is birthright citizenship and why has it become part of the news the last few years?
Pick three myths/facts about immigration from the booklet and find corresponding news articles/current events about each myth/fact.
Write an article about immigration using the myths, the facts, and current events in your area.