New Analyses on Immigration and Unemployment

For Immediate Release

June 12, 2013

Washington D.C. - Today, the Immigration Policy Center releases The Economic Blame Game: Immigration and Unemployment and Allies, Not Enemies: How Latino Immigration Boosts African American Employment and Wages.

The evidence in these two reports runs contrary to claims that immigration reform will increase the nation’s unemployment rate. In fact, both the legalization and “future flow” provisions of the current Senate bill would empower immigrant workers to spend more, invest more, and pay more in taxes—all of which would create new jobs.

Another popular myth addressed is one that assumes Latino immigrants and African Americans are locked in ruinous competition for the same jobs, resulting in lower wages and higher unemployment rates for African Americans. In truth, Latino immigrants and African Americans fill complementary roles in the labor market—they are not simply substitutes for one another.

To view the analyses in their entirety, see:
The Economic Blame Game: Immigration and Unemployment (IPC Fact Check, June 2013)
Allies, Not Enemies: How Latino Immigration Boosts African American Employment and Wages (IPC Perspectives, Jack Strauss, Ph.D., June 2013)
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For more information contact, Wendy Feliz at wfeliz@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524

The Immigration Policy Center (IPC), established in 2003, is the policy arm of the American Immigration Council. IPC's mission is to shape a rational conversation on immigration and immigrant integration. Through its research and analysis, IPC provides policymakers, the media, and the general public with accurate information about the role of immigrants and immigration policy on U.S. society. IPC reports and materials are widely disseminated and relied upon by press and policy makers. IPC staff regularly serves as experts to leaders on Capitol Hill, opinion-makers and the media. IPC is a non-partisan organization that neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for office.   

Division of the American Immigration Council.