Separating fact from fiction about undocumented immigrants in the United States.

Imagine growing up next door to someone who’s lived in your neighborhood for years — they work, pay taxes, and their kids go to school with yours. Then one day, you hear someone call them an “illegal” who doesn’t belong here. The truth? Much of what people believe about undocumented immigrants isn’t based on facts at all.

At BorderWire.com, we break down the biggest undocumented immigrants myths and facts to help clear the confusion and share the truth behind the headlines.

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1. Myth: Most Undocumented Immigrants Sneak Across the Border

Fact: Most actually come legally and overstay their visas.

It’s a common picture — people crossing a desert or a river at night — but that’s only part of the story. Studies from the Department of Homeland Security and research groups like Pew Research Center show that the majority of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. didn’t cross the border illegally. They arrived through airports and seaports with valid visas and stayed after their permits expired.

👉 Visa overstays now make up an estimated over 50% of all undocumented immigrants.

That means fixing the issue isn’t only about border walls — it’s about modernizing visa tracking and making legal immigration more accessible.

(Internal link suggestion: Immigration News)
(External source: DHS Visa Overstay Reports)

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2. Myth: Undocumented Immigrants Don’t Pay Taxes

Fact: Millions of undocumented workers pay billions in taxes every year.

Here’s something many people don’t realize: undocumented immigrants do pay taxes — often without receiving any benefits in return. According to the IRS, more than 11 million people file taxes using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number.

They contribute over $11 billion in state and local taxes each year. This includes income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes (even through rent).

So when someone says, “They don’t pay taxes,” the numbers say otherwise.

(Internal link suggestion: Immigration Resources Page)
(External source: IRS ITIN Program)

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3. Myth: Undocumented Immigrants Get Free Government Benefits (Like Welfare or Health Care)

Fact: Most undocumented immigrants aren’t eligible for any federal benefits — including free health care.

A lot of people believe undocumented immigrants live off government programs, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Undocumented immigrants are barred from receiving most public benefits, including Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), housing vouchers, and federal cash assistance programs.

When it comes to health care, they also do not get free medical coverage. They can’t enroll in Medicaid, Medicare, or Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. The only exception is for emergency medical care, such as life-threatening injuries or childbirth, which hospitals are required by law to provide to anyone, regardless of status — because denying that could endanger public safety.

Even then, most undocumented immigrants pay out of pocket for their medical bills or seek help at community clinics and nonprofit health centers. Many delay care until it becomes serious because they fear high costs or immigration consequences.

So the idea that undocumented immigrants are draining public health systems is a myth — they’re often paying in without being able to take out.

(External source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Undocumented Immigrants and Coverage)

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4. Myth: Undocumented Immigrants Commit More Crimes

Fact: Immigrants — both documented and undocumented — are less likely to commit crimes.

This myth gets repeated often, but studies say the opposite. Research from the Cato Institute, Stanford University, and Texas Department of Public Safety shows that immigrants are significantly less likely to be arrested or convicted of violent crimes than U.S.-born citizens.

In fact, cities with higher immigrant populations often have lower crime rates. The idea that immigrants bring crime is more about fear and politics than evidence.

(External source: Cato Institute – Immigration and Crime)

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5. Myth: Immigrants Take Jobs Away From Americans

Fact: Immigrants help fill jobs and boost the economy.

You’ve probably heard, “They’re taking our jobs.” But economists disagree. Many industries — especially agriculture, construction, and hospitality — depend heavily on immigrant workers because there simply aren’t enough U.S.-born workers filling those roles.

Undocumented immigrants often take physically demanding or seasonal jobs that keep food on our tables and homes built. Their labor supports local economies, lowers consumer prices, and creates demand for more goods and services — which in turn creates jobs for others.

(Internal link suggestion: Editorials – U.S. Labor & Economy)

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6. Myth: Undocumented Immigrants Don’t Contribute to Society

Fact: Their contributions reach far beyond the workplace.

Beyond taxes and jobs, undocumented immigrants enrich communities culturally and socially. They start businesses, volunteer, and raise U.S.-citizen children who will shape the nation’s future.

According to research, undocumented workers contribute nearly $80 billion to the U.S. economy annually. They buy cars, pay rent, and send their kids to local schools — all of which keeps neighborhoods thriving.

(External source: American Immigration Council – Economic Contributions)

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7. Myth: There’s an Easy Line to “Become Legal”

Fact: For most, that line doesn’t exist.

Many believe undocumented immigrants could “just apply” and get legal status. But U.S. immigration law doesn’t work that way. There’s no universal path to legalization, and the process depends on family ties, employer sponsorship, or humanitarian protection.

Even for those eligible, the wait times can stretch 10–20 years, especially for people from Mexico, the Philippines, and India. Some categories haven’t moved in decades.

That’s why you’ll often hear the phrase: “There’s no line to get in.”

(Internal link suggestion: Guide: Immigration Process Explained)

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8. Myth: Children Born to Undocumented Parents Aren’t Citizens

Fact: Every child born in the U.S. is automatically a citizen.

Under the 14th Amendment, anyone born on U.S. soil — regardless of their parents’ status — is a U.S. citizen. This is known as birthright citizenship, and it’s been law since 1868.

These U.S.-born children have the same rights as anyone else: to go to school, apply for jobs, and vote when they’re of age.

Some political groups call for changing this law, but as of now, it remains a fundamental part of the Constitution.

(External source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)

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9. Myth: Undocumented Immigrants Don’t Want to Learn English or Integrate

Fact: Most actively learn English and participate in their communities.

Immigrants today learn English faster than past generations. Community colleges, churches, and nonprofits across the country offer ESL (English as a Second Language) programs.

According to Pew Research, the majority of immigrants — including undocumented ones — say they feel “very attached” to the United States and see it as their permanent home. Many work hard to integrate by joining local organizations, volunteering, and raising bilingual children.

(Internal link suggestion: Community & Integration Stories)

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10. Myth: Undocumented Immigrants Only Come From Latin America

Fact: They come from all over the world.

While many undocumented immigrants come from Mexico, Central America, and South America, thousands also arrive from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe.

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable increase in undocumented immigrants from Venezuela, Haiti, and India, driven by political instability, economic collapse, or lack of safe migration channels.

Immigration is a global story, not just a regional one.

(External source: Migration Policy Institute)

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Why These Myths Persist

Misinformation spreads faster than facts — especially on social media. Political speeches and viral posts often focus on fear rather than evidence. That’s why independent platforms like BorderWire.com aim to offer clear, fact-checked information and real stories from people affected by immigration policies.

If you’ve ever wanted to understand immigration without the noise, our mission is to give you the news and resources that matter.

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How BorderWire Helps Separate Fact from Fiction

Immigration News Service

We monitor official sources like DHS, USCIS, and CBP daily to bring you real-time immigration updates, policy changes, and border-related news — without bias or sensationalism.

News & Media Website

Our editorial team summarizes complex news in plain English. You’ll find helpful explainers, timelines, and context that major outlets often skip — perfect for busy readers who just want the truth.

Immigration Resources

From DACA and TPS to asylum and visa guidance, we provide step-by-step guides, checklists, and tools to help readers understand their options.
➡️ (Internal link: Check if You Qualify for DACA)

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The Bottom Line

Undocumented immigrants are often blamed for problems they didn’t create. The facts show they’re taxpayers, workers, parents, and neighbors who play a key role in the American story.

The next time someone repeats one of these myths, you’ll have the facts to respond with confidence — and maybe help change the conversation.

If you want more immigration news that are clear and neutral, visit BorderWire.com and sign up for our free newsletter.