The United States has long been hailed as a land of opportunity ~ a paradise for those seeking prosperity. Migration has been a central force in shaping America’s identity, economy, and innovation enabling it to become a global power. This article explores the historical roots of migration, the comparative contributions of migrants and native-born citizens, the evolution of the immigration policy, and the broader implications of a migrant-free America. Migration to the U.S. started before its independence.

Settlers from Europe laid the foundation for colonial America. Africans forcibly brought as slaves built its economy. The 19th century saw waves of Irish, German, Italian, and Chinese immigrants, each group contributing to infrastructure, agriculture, and industry. They brought both cultural enrichment and political tension, but the cumulative effect has been a dynamic, resilient society. According to the Migration Policy Institute, 45.2 per cent of recent immigrants (post-2010) hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 38 per cent of U.S.-born citizens.

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Immigrants from countries like India, China, South Korea, and Nigeria consistently outperform native-born Americans in educational attainment. Though the Latin American immigrants tend to have lower formal education, they contribute through skilled trades and entrepreneurship. This educational diversity in the U.S. workforce, fills both high-tech and essential service roles. Migrants have been instrumental in building America in all spheres. Immigrants added $2 trillion to GDP in 2016. They paid over $500 billion in taxes in 2021, including $76 billion from undocumented workers.

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Twenty-two per cent of U.S. entrepreneurs are immigrants driving innovation and job creation. Over 45 per cent of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Immigrants account for 22.8 per cent of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workers, driving research and technological advancement. Migrants dominate sectors like agriculture, hospitality, elder care, and domestic services ~ cleaners and cooks. Without them, these sectors would face crippling labour shortages and economic stagnation. Migrants are no longer just labourers ~ they are leaders too. They have served in Congress, state legislatures, and as mayors.

Notable figures include Rep. Pramila Jayapal, India and Rep. Ilhan Omar, Somalia. Immigrant professors and researchers lead top universities and labs. CEOs of Google (Sundar Pichai), Microsoft (Satya Nadella), and Adobe (Shantanu Narayen) are all immigrants. They make up 15.2 per cent of nurses and 26.5 per cent of doctors. Their presence in leadership roles reflects excellence. Migrants are the invisible engine powering the U.S. logistics sector. Their presence is not just helpful ~ it is indispensable. Nearly 20 per cent of U.S. truck drivers are........

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