Fact-checking GOP claims on immigrants

At the recent Republican National Convention, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas claimed that immigrants committing violent crimes are a threat to American safety. This assertion is being contested by prominent immigration authorities. Nancy Foner, Ph.D., a Sociology professor at the City University of New York's Hunter College, dismisses the stereotype of immigrants as criminals as a longstanding myth, citing statistics that show most immigrants are not violent offenders. "Foreign-born individuals are actually less likely to commit violent crimes than those born in the U.S.," Foner explained. "Cities and neighborhoods with higher immigrant populations have significantly lower rates of crime and violence compared to similar areas with fewer immigrants."

The accusation that immigrants are responsible for smuggling fentanyl across the southern border was also made. However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports that 90% of drugs associated with overdose deaths are trafficked by American citizens through legal entry points.

Senator Cruz also propagated the conspiracy theory that immigrants are permitted entry into the U.S. to vote in elections, an occurrence that is virtually non-existent. David Becker, the Executive Director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, emphasized that non-citizens are legally barred from voting in federal elections and face immediate deportation if caught voting.

Furthermore, claims were made that immigrants are beneficiaries of welfare. Pia Orrenius, Vice President and Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, clarified that immigrants are ineligible for programs like SNAP (formerly food stamps), Social Security, and other benefits, despite contributing to these programs through taxes.