Immigration Myths

Essential Questions Where do stereotypes come from? Why do people perpetuate these “myths”? How can myths and stereotypes be broken down?

A vast debate swirls around the topic of immigration to the United States. Unfortunately, the frustration many have with our immigration system has also caused some people to stereotype all immigrant populations. We need to break stereotypes by getting to the source of the prejudices. The focus here is on facing some common misconceptions about immigrants as a group. By connecting stereotypes to myths and then dispelling those myths, we can confront the lies that are the foundation of bigotry toward immigrants.

The Myths Most immigrants are here illegally. It’s just as easy to enter the country legally today as it was when my ancestors arrived. There’s a way to enter the country legally for anyone who wants to get in line. My ancestors learned English, but today’s immigrants refuse. Today’s immigrants don’t want to blend in and become “Americanized.”

The Myths Immigrants take good jobs from Americans. Undocumented immigrants cause crime rates to go up. Undocumented immigrants don’t pay taxes but still get benefits. The United States is being overrun by immigrants like never before. Anyone who enters the country illegally is a criminal.

Why are these myths NOT ACCURATE? Each of you will be numbered 1 through 10 (a number for each myth) Refer to the handout to identify your “myth” Hypothesize why that myth is NOT accurate. Take turns going up to the board to record your responses in the following way: Where you think the myth comes from Who benefits from the myth Why the myth is untrue

Presenting The Facts Get into groups according to your myth number. This is where you will sit today. As a group, read the facts about your specific myth in the handout “The Truth About Immigration Myths” ADD to what is on the board under your myth based on the FACTS you read. Select a spokesperson to present: The MYTH The reasons why the myth is untrue using feedback gathered from your group and the facts handout