Debunking the Myth of the Magical Migrant: Average Contributors, Not Economic Superheroes, By James Reed and Chris Knight (Florida)

In the discourse surrounding immigration, a pervasive mythology has taken root: the idea that migrants are inherently special, bringing untold riches, innovation, and eternal joy to their host nations. This narrative paints immigrants as economic saviours who single-handedly boost growth, fill critical gaps, and enrich societies in ways locals cannot. However, a closer examination of the evidence reveals a more nuanced reality. While a minority may indeed be exceptional — or, conversely, problematic — the vast majority of migrants are ordinary people whose contributions are comparable to those of the native population. This myth, often propagated by elites, serves ulterior motives such as securing cheap labour and inflating real estate values, rather than reflecting empirical truth.

The Economic Reality: Modest Impacts, Not Miracles

Proponents of mass immigration frequently claim that migrants drive unprecedented economic prosperity. Yet, studies show that the overall economic effects are often small and mixed. For instance, immigration can reduce wages for low-skilled workers and college graduates, as noted in analyses from Brookings. While some research indicates positive correlations with more jobs and higher wages for U.S.-born workers, many estimates suggest wage declines of just a few percentage points or no effects at all. Immigrants, on average, earn less than native-born workers, about 12% lower hourly wages nationwide, indicating they are not the elite innovators the myth suggests, but rather participants in the labour market much like locals.

This isn't to deny benefits; immigration can increase GDP by expanding the labour force. However, these gains are not "untold riches" but incremental, and they often come at the expense of certain native groups. The notion that migrants are uniquely entrepreneurial or productive is overstated; most blend into the economy without transforming it.

The Housing Squeeze: Demand Drives Up Costs

One clear area where immigration impacts societies is housing. Increased population from migration boosts demand, leading to higher prices and rents. Research shows that a 1% immigration inflow into a city's population can increase average rents and housing values by about 1%. At larger scales, a 1 percentage point rise in the immigration rate can elevate house prices by 3.3%. While not the sole driver, pandemic-era factors and supply shortages play roles, immigration exacerbates the affordability crisis, particularly in urban areas.

This reality contradicts the joyful enrichment myth; for many locals, it means higher living costs without commensurate benefits. Elites, who often own property, stand to gain from rising values, while average citizens face squeezed budgets.

Crime and the "Bad Eggs": A Minority Issue, But Not the Point

Nationalist critics rightly notes that a minority of migrants may be criminals, but this isn't the core critique. In fact, studies debunk the myth that immigrants increase crime rates; they often show lower crime involvement. The focus here is on the majority being "nothing special" — neither villains nor heroes, but average individuals whose presence doesn't inherently elevate society beyond what locals provide.

The Elite Agenda: Cheap Labour and Profit Motives

Why perpetuate the migrant mythology? Evidence points to elite interests. Public opinion often views immigration as a critical threat (60% in some polls), while only 14% of elites do. Elites consistently prioritise controlling immigration less than the public, seeing it as a tool for economic gain. This disconnect suggests the narrative serves those who benefit from cheap labour, which suppresses wages in certain sectors, and from population growth that inflates real estate markets.

Immigration policies favouring elites erode democratic trust when they prioritise profit over public welfare. The "untold riches" story masks these motivations, presenting self-interest as altruism.

The mythology of the exceptional migrant is an ideological construct, not grounded in reality. Most migrants are ordinary, contributing similarly to natives, with economic impacts that are modest at best and burdensome in areas like housing. By debunking this myth, we can approach immigration policy pragmatically, focusing on integration, selective admission, and addressing elite-driven distortions. True progress comes from honesty, not BS.