ASU Report: Illegal Immigration Perceptions and Realities

Updated: Tuesday, 18 May 2010, 4:46 PM MDT
Published : Tuesday, 18 May 2010, 4:30 PM MDT

PHOENIX - A recent report is examining the truth of 9 common assertations regarding undocumented workers and their impact on everything from the economy to health-care to education.

The report, issued by ASU's Morrison Institute for Public Policy is entitled Illegal Immigration: Perceptions and Realities and looks at several myths and truths regarding illegal immigration in Arizona.

Some of those "assertions" include:

• Assertion: Most violent crime in Arizona is committed by undocumented immigrants.
Reality: The Americas Majority Foundation found that "between 1999 and 2006, states like Arizona with high numbers of immigrants witnessed a greater percentage drop in all types of crime than the national average.

Why does the "reality" quote not seem to address the "assertion" statement? So what if the crime rate dropped; who committed the crimes?

• Assertion: Virtually all Arizonans consider undocumented immigration a major threat.
Reality: A Rasmussen report found that "most Arizona voters [57%] favor an immigration policy that welcomes all immigrants, 'except national security threats, criminals, and those who would come here to live off our welfare system.'"

Welcome is such a strong word. How about tolerate?

• Assertion: Undocumented immigrants are a drain on Arizona's economy.
Reality: Undocumented immigrants create jobs and contribute to the economy through their labor, their purchase of goods and services and by their payment of sales and payroll taxes, user fees and other common revenue sources.

What about the drain on hospital revenues for ER visits? How about driving without car insurance and having an accident? And are you telling me that the vast herd of Yob-seekers at Home DepotLowes parking lots are paying income taxes, and obeying minimum OSHA safety standards?

ASU is not affiliated with any particular political party. But they are a bastion of liberal leaning hippy types.