Immigration is one of the most debated issues in the 2024 presidential election. Here’s how you can support immigrants impacted by misinformation today.
Immigration is a hotly debated topic in the US presidential election, and a main issue that Americans consider as they select their preferred candidates.
With polarized opinions and increasing misinformation, it’s crucial for every voter to have access to facts on immigration and understand how to engage in the topic of immigration beyond the polls.
This article explores how to combat misinformation on immigration, harness the power of charitable donations to support immigrants, and find vetted nonprofits making a difference for immigrants in your community.
Here are three ways you can support immigrants who have been put in danger’s way because of misinformation during the 2024 election season:
Misinformation about immigration is as widespread as it is dangerous. Fueled by emotionally-charged narratives, these myths drive harmful stereotypes and spread outright lies about immigrants. Several bomb threats have terrified the small Ohio town of Springfield after baseless claims were spread about Haitian immigrants.
A long-time local GlobalGiving partner, Marie-Rose Romain Murphy, underscored the systemic issues behind the misinformation. Born and raised in Haiti, Marie-Rose immigrated to the US as a student and later founded ESPWA Haiti.
Marie-Rose believes the lies about Haitians is a political campaign tactic to distract voters from key issues and stoke xenophobia.
“It’s an ongoing societal issue as the U.S is a country of immigrants that never seems to fully embrace its core identity. It is (let’s face it!) a systemic racism issue.”
— Marie-Rose Romain Murphy, ESPWA
In addition to ongoing racism in the US, the widespread lack of understanding about the immigration process also contributes to unproductive conversations about an issue that deserves clear facts and thoughtful discussion.
Below are three common immigration myths, followed by the facts.:
Fact: It is very much legal to come to the border and request asylum according to both US and international law. Learn more about the asylum process from our partner, the International Rescue Committee.
Fact: Most immigrants pay taxes, including income, sales, and property taxes. Undocumented immigrants contribute billions to the tax system every year, often without receiving the benefits they fund.
Fact: The vast majority (77%) of immigrants come to the US legally through visas and refugee programs. Additionally, undocumented immigrants have been unfairly linked to crime. Extensive studies show that undocumented immigration does not increase violent crime rates, and in Texas, undocumented immigrants have much lower crime rates than US citizens.
For further reading, check out this article to continue debunking harmful myths about immigration.
Rebuilding social cohesion in the US begins with conversation and authentic storytelling. Imagine if, instead of false claims about immigrants, true stories circulated far and wide.
Stories like Evan’s.
Ivan is one of the millions of Venezuelans who had to flee a homeland that was no longer safe. This alone is heartbreaking, but his story continues. Ivan and his younger brother, Alexander, faced the perilous journey through the dense, mountainous terrain of the Panama-Colombia border, rife with life-threatening wildlife and crime groups preying on vulnerable individuals. You can read more about Ivan’s journey in a report from the International Rescue Committee, a nonprofit that helped Ivan rebuild his life.
You can read more about Ivan’s journey.
Financial contributions to immigration-focused organizations can fuel advocacy efforts, support community services, and amplify the voices of those fighting for immigration reform. Whether it’s providing legal aid for immigrants facing deportation or funding programs that assist with integration, your contributions can make a tangible difference.
Here are seven trusted organizations supporting immigrants in the US that you can support during the 2024 election cycle:
1. Florida Immigrant Coalition: Strengthens pro-immigrant power in Florida by building connections and community capacity.
2. International Rescue Committee: Helps protect and rebuild the lives of resettled refugees, and other immigrant populations.
3. Migrant Clinicians Network: Aids immigrants in navigating the US healthcare system to receive essential services and care.
4. Teach by Tech: Offers ESL, digital literacy, and workforce training for adult refugees and immigrants, helping them integrate and achieve self-sufficiency.
5. Lewisboro Land Trust: Creates safe, educational, and enjoyable programs for immigrant communities and other underserved populations.
6. WOMENPALANTE: Establishes opportunities for low- and middle-income Latinx women and children to grow their businesses.
7. Tahirih Justice Center: Provides social services and advocates for better policies to protect immigrant women and girls who are twice as likely to experience violence than the general population.
Donating to organizations that align with your values not only supports their essential work but also sends a powerful message to policymakers about the importance of immigration reform and the vital role of immigrants in the history and future of America.
“As a child of immigrants and an advocate, I know it isn’t an easy decision to leave where we are born and seek a fresh start in a new country,” Archi Pyati, the CEO of Tahirih Justice Center, recently shared. “Every individual,” she continued, “who breaks the cycle of violence and speaks out against harmful rhetoric is a force for change and a sign that the future we dream of is possible.”
Make a donation today to support immigrant rights this election season.
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