Fun facts about immigration

Having just finished some research on the history of Immigration Policy in the U.S., here are some fun facts to consider:

1. Of the past five presidents, the two toughest on immigration have been Clinton and Obama.
2. Trump (through Senior Advisor Stephen Miller) has used executive authority and memos to create this crisis at the border.
3. Reagan used immigration policy to create economic prosperity. He granted amnesty to 2.7 million people during a time when circular migration was acceptable.
4. Clinton militarized the border.
5. All presidents (since Clinton) have housed unaccompanied children crossing the border.
6. Conditions at detention facilities have always been terrible; they're significantly worse now because of the chaos of the Zero Tolerance Policy and a sincere lack of planning.
7. 13.5% of the U.S. population is undocumented.
8. Immigrants paid more than 25% of all taxes in CA, NJ, and NY.
9. Without immigrants, private sector output would drop $380 - $623 billion.
10. ​Refugee cost to US government over 10 years was $206 billion; refugee contributions via taxes in same period was $269 billion. 

I like facts. Want to learn more? You'll have that chance this Fall! I'm doing a six-part series at Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest, Illinois that begins September 18, 2019 . Click here for details.